Banteay Chhmar

Height of Banteay Chhmar Under the rule of Jayavarman II, populations moved northward, creating centres in the north and northwest of Cambodia.123-4 During the following Angkor period, Banteay Chhmar was created by Jayavarman VII and flourished between the 12th and 13th centuries C.E.185 96 Jayavarman VII is one of the best-known Khmer rulers, described as expanding and unifying Angkor throughout his reign.33 Reflecting Buddhist beliefs, Banteay Chhmar incorporates the Bayon style that was developed under Jayavarman VII. Unlike other urban centres, Banteay Chhmar was constructed in a regional, arid area and does not follow a formal grid-layout.38 In the decades since, Cambodian and international archaeologists have worked to better understand the history of Cambodia, addressing issues of preservation, environmental management and colonial bias. The findings of colonial archaeologists continue to influence Cambodian history and heritage, upheld by problematic Orientalist perspectives. This bares importance for a number of on-going debates within Cambodian archaeology, including urban systems, water management and the decline of Angkor.12595 ALS has been applied to the site of Banteay Chhmar, providing insight into the development and use of the site.170-1 ==Site and structures==

Evidence of temples, stone structures and a hydraulic system can be found at Banteay Chhmar. The temples at Banteay Chhmar follow the Bayon style of Jayavarman VII, named after the Buddhist state temple in Angkor Thom.3 Temples were laid in cardinal directions, invoking the Supreme Buddha at the centre of the mandala.582-658 The mandala also came to represent political power, with one 'universal ruler' in control.70 In addition, reliefs record chariots, horses, elephants and foot soldiers, describing systems of military power and transport.446 Medical imagery is also present at the site, namely, carvings which denote a medicine blessing ceremony.227 Given the location of Banteay Chhmar, archaeologists have suggested that the site was part of a medical network established by Jayavarman VII.227 Unlike other 11th to 13th century C.E. temples, Banteay Chhmar did not follow a grid layout.185 171 This was confirmed by recent ALS imagery of the site, which revealed 'almost no evidence of a formal urban grid.'171 In contrast to the Angkorian model of urban development, there is little evidence of a central core, nor a successive urban complex.185 171 Archaeologists have discovered an extensive hydraulic system which helped to manage water at the site. Banteay Chmmar was located in a dry, arid region which would have fallen victim to both draughts and floods.171 As a result, water management was important to Banteay Chhmar, which developed a series of moats, channels, cannels, catchments and baray. These served to store water during the dry season, as well as clear water during the wet season.171 This system harnessed natural run-off and overflow, building slopes and channels to move water, as well as source water from the Dangrek Mountains.4 Banteay Chhmar is uniquely constructed and located, raising questions about the purpose of the site. Archaeologists have developed several interpretations, the most prominent being a 'city' or 'garrison-temple' which was periodically inhabited.185 4 In these renderings, Banteay Chhmar was an important religious, political or military centre, which played a role in cementing Angkorian power in the region.185 4 ==Heritage==

The archaeological complex of Banteay Chhmar is recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, praised for the water management system, temple complex and Buddhist motifs. However, Banteay Chmmar – along with other Angkorian sites – has undergone significant destruction and looting in the past decades.729 206 This calls for tourism which supports the local economy, benefits built and social infrastructure and protects regional heritage and environments.37-8 Community-based tourism aims to embed long-term and sustainable practices, often applied within remote contexts.393-4 ==References==