Western Baray: 8 Oct 2003
  

 

Sunrise

A baray is a man-made water reservoir. The construction of barays became one of the marks of Angkorian kingship. In all four barays were built. At the center of each baray is an island temple. The West Baray was the third of the barays built, and is largest measuring 8 km by 2.2 km. It was built in the early 11th century.

   
  

Boats

The function of barays is a matter of academic debate. Common wisdom is that they were part of a giant water works used to irrigate the rice paddies, and they certainly served political and religious functions as well.

 

  

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