Angkor Wat's Hidden Chambers and the Legacy of Jayavarman VII

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the lesser-known chambers and inscriptions of Angkor Wat, focusing on the reign of Jayavarman VII and his transformation of the temple complex after the Cham invasion of 1177. They discuss the Bayon's enigmatic faces, the 'hospital chapels' (arokayasala) scattered across the empire, and the shift from Vaishnavism to Mahayana Buddhism under Jayavarman VII. The conversation delves into how Jayavarman VII used architecture and religion to consolidate power after the destruction of Yasodharapura. Lucas explains the meaning of the 'Face Temples' and the importance of the Neak Pean sanctuary. The episode also touches on the decline of Angkor after Jayavarman VII's death, including the rise of Theravada Buddhism and the eventual abandonment of the city. The hosts avoid overlap with previous episodes by focusing on Jayavarman VII's post-invasion projects rather than the construction of Angkor Wat itself. #JayavarmanVII #AngkorWat #Bayon #FaceTemples #MahayanaBuddhism #ChamInvasion1177 #Arokarasala #NeakPean #KhmerEmpire #Yasodharapura #TheravadaBuddhism #AngkorHistory #SoutheastAsia #Cambodia #Archaeology #TempleArchitecture #MedievalHistory #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo