The Temple Mountain is a significant feature in ancient Cambodian architecture. The most famous of these temples is the grand Angkor Wat. This temple is the epitome of ancient Cambodian architecture, and represents the classical Angkorian style. Nonetheless, the first temple mountain appeared around 881 AD, and was known as the Bahkheng (Bakong) Temple.
The Temple Mountain is actually an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the home of the gods of the Hindu pantheon. The style was heavily influenced by Indian temple architecture. The enclosures represented the mountain chains surrounding Mount Meru. A moat represented the ocean.
The temple itself was a multi-level pyramid. The home of the gods was represented by an elevated sanctuary at the centre of the temple. Other notable temple mountains include Baphuon, Pre Rup and Ta Keo.
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