Behold the Terrace of the Elephants. It stands before you. It is a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
This Terrace of the Elephants served as a platform for King Jayavarman VII. He would view his victorious returning army from here. Imagine the spectacle. Soldiers marching. Elephants parading. All for the glory of Angkor.
The Terrace of the Elephants is 350 meters long. It provided a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies. It also served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet.
Look closely at the eastern face of the Terrace of the Elephants. You will see carvings of elephants. These carvings give the terrace its name. The intricate bas-reliefs depict scenes from royal ceremonies. They also show glimpses of daily life.
Notice the five outworks extending towards the Central Square. Three are in the center. One is at each end. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with garuda and lions. Towards either end, you’ll find the parade of elephants. Khmer mahouts accompany them.
The Terrace of the Elephants was once attached to the palace of Phimeanakas. Only a few ruins of the palace remain. Most of the original structure of the Terrace of the Elephants was organic. It has long since disappeared. The foundation platforms are what you see today.
Researchers note parts of the terrace once had wooden beams. These supported a tiled roof. Only the foundation holes remain.
Let’s explore the grand entrance. The walls are lined with standing garuda and lions. Ascend the platforms. Lion statues and naga balustrades adorn the first platform. The next platform features Asuras and Devas. The entrance pavilion to the Royal Palace is straight ahead.
Take note of the lesser staircases. They feature three-headed Airavata carvings. These mythical elephants flank the stairs. The southern grand staircase also has 3D carvings of elephants.
Each elephant carving is unique. They perform different activities. The northern grand staircase is perhaps the most wondrous section. Its east face features garuda and lions. Horses playing polo and men wrestling are also depicted.
In the early 1900s, French researchers cleared away landfill. They revealed an inner wall. This mid-wall featured extraordinary carvings. These carvings included a five-headed horse and more elephants.
The Terrace of the Elephants has undergone many modifications. Researchers believe the first terrace was built in the 11th century. It was later damaged by the Cham sack in 1177. Jayavarman VII covered it with new terraces. These were faced with sandstone.
Recent excavations have revealed a 6-meter-wide road. It was flanked by canals. This road led to the entrance stairs. Three ritual deposits of lead/tin turtles were also found.
Restoration work continues. The modern road is being replaced with green space. A pathway replicates the original entrance road.
The Terrace of the Elephants stands as a testament. It shows the remarkable achievements of the Khmer civilization. It offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. It transports visitors to a bygone era. Remember this Terrace of the Elephants. It is not just a sight. It’s a journey through time.