Sambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup
Chenla (Isanapura) (616–635 CE)·Chenla (Isanavarman I)·🇰🇭 Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia
About
About Sambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup
Sambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia is a Chenla (Isanapura) (616–635 CE) temple-complex attributed to Chenla (Isanavarman I). North Group N1 octagonal brick towers with false door sandstone carvings. EFEO restoration by B.P. Groslier 1962: inscriptions K.53, octagonal towers unique to Isanapura.
Why it mattersType-site for Chenla (Isanavarman I) temple architecture
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronological sequence refinement
- 02Iconography program
Theories
- 01Shaivite cult centre
- 02Hydraulic kingship model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 616 CE
- Period
- Chenla (Isanapura) (616–635 CE)
- Culture
- Chenla (Isanavarman I)
- Purpose
- North Group N1 octagonal brick towers with false door sandstone carvings
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 616 CE
Initial construction
c. 1990 CE
UNESCO / EFEO restoration
On the ground
Structures & features
12.8670° N · 105.0400° E · 20 m · 3 mapped features
Sambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup — Central Sanctuary Tower
towerCentral kalan or prang shrine
12.8672° N · 105.0401° ESambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup — Mandapa / Gopura Hall
mandapaEntrance mandapa or gopura
12.8668° N · 105.0402° ESambor Prei Kuk N1 Tower Subgroup — Enclosure and Moat
enclosureOuter laterite enclosure and moat
12.8675° N · 105.0398° E