“Imagine twelve towers standing tall” a whisper from the past seems to say. Welcome to Prasat Suor Prat. These twelve towers of laterite and sandstone stand proudly before you. They are near the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. They flank the road leading to the Victory Gate.
Prasat Suor Prat a series of twelve towers. Their purpose remains a mystery. Some believe they supported tightrope walkers during royal festivals. This is a romantic idea. It is not supported by historical evidence.
The Khmer name Suor Prat means “towers of the tightrope dancers”. A Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan offered a different explanation. He wrote that they were used to settle disputes. Two people involved in a dispute would sit in separate towers. After a few days the person who fell ill was deemed guilty. Divine judgement it was called. This practice reflects ancient beliefs about justice.
The towers themselves are almost identical. They are simple in design. Few carvings adorn them. They are mostly undecorated. However their architectural style is unique. Windows with balusters on three sides are unusual. They have two levels. The upper levels each feature a cylindrical vault with two frontons.
Construction may have started under Jayavarman VII. It may have continued under Indravarman II. The towers don’t display Bayon style characteristics. So their exact age is still debated. Some believe they are older. Some suggest they are younger. There is no definite answer.
In 2001-2005 towers N1 and N2 faced collapse. They were reconstructed by the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor and APSARA. Their restoration ensured the survival of these ancient structures. They remain a part of Angkor’s rich history.
Today these enigmatic towers stand silently. They whisper stories of the past. They invite you to contemplate their function and age. They remind us of the enduring mysteries of Angkor. They stand as a testament to the skill of ancient builders. They are a remarkable sight at Prasat Suor Prat.