Terrace of the Leper King

Terrace of the Leper King

  • Siem Reap

The Terrace of the Leper King is another significant and mysterious monument within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is located just north of the Terrace of the Elephants, within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, and like many other structures in the area, it carries both historical and symbolic significance.

The Terrace of the Leper King was built during the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who is responsible for many of the architectural marvels in Angkor, including the famous Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. This terrace, like other structures in Angkor Thom, is primarily made of sandstone and features detailed relief carvings. The terrace’s name, “Terrace of the Leper King”, is somewhat enigmatic. It is not clear why it was named after the “Leper King,” and there are several theories about its origin:

One theory suggests that the “Leper King” refers to a royal figure who suffered from leprosy. This figure might have been represented by the statue at the terrace’s summit, which is a stone sculpture of a king, sometimes interpreted as a symbolic representation of the Leper King. Another theory is that the name derives from the statue’s appearance—over time, the weathering of the stone may have created a pockmarked surface that resembled the skin of someone suffering from leprosy. The Terrace of the Leper King is a small, rectangular structure, measuring about 25 meters long and 4 meters high. It consists of a low platform with walls adorned with intricate bas-reliefs.

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