Angkor Wat

Children's Literature - Lynn O'Connell

"The work of giants!" is how French researcher Henri Mouchot described Angkor Wat when he first saw it in 1860. Today, Angkor Wat is recognized as one of the largest ancient structures in the world. Author Behnke focuses on both the greatness as well as the mystery surrounding this magnificent city and temple. Why was such a structure created? Why was it later abandoned? What do the inscriptions on it mean? Explorers and researchers through the years have spent much time studying this national treasure of Cambodia. In Sanskrit, Angkor means "capital city." Author Behnke explains that Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire circa 800-1200 A.D. Angkor Wat was built in the 1100s as a Hindu temple, and the Sanskrit inscriptions give the history of the Khmer kings. Behnke notes that the site suffered damage under the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, but Angkor Wat is today visited by many researchers and tourists. The book ends with a diagram of the temples of Angkor, a glossary, and information on additional research materials. It is part of the series, "Unearthing Ancient Worlds." Reviewer: Lynn O'Connell