Essential Interactive Image

The Culture that built the Observatory Culture:

• Developed by the Khmer Empire, a Southeast Asian civilization
• Influenced by Indian Culture in terms of religion, architecture, and art.

When?

• Built in the early 12th century =, 1113-1150 CE

Location and Geographical Information

• Located in Northwestern Cambodia, near city of Siem Reap and south of Angkor Thom
• Lies in central part of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia
• Characterized of forests, wetlands, and relatively flat land

Contribution to Astronomy

• Angkor Wats layout corresponds with

solar and lunar calendars. (# of towers relate to days in a lunar month)

• During the spring and autumn equinoxes the sun rises

directly over the central tower.

• The design reflects the order of the universe

The Cultural and Religious Reasons for Building the Observatory

• Believed to channel energy and blessings to the temple and land
• Timed religious events with celestial events
• Had successful harvests by predicting the time of floods and rains
• allignment of the sun marked religious events on their calender

Information Provided by the Observatory

• provides information into the Khmer Empires religious evolution from Hinduism to Buddhism
• Highlights mastery in water management
• Lunar and Solar calendars

Reflects order of universe

How it Works:

• During the Autumn and Spring Equinox’s the sunrise goes directly over the central tower (where most religious activities take place)
• The temple works as a center of worship.