Angkor Thom (Great City) was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Many buildings make-up this ancient city, and it is surrounded by a wall and mat. The gates were built high enough so an elephant with seat and umbrella could pass beneath them. This is the last site built in the Angkor area before the capital was moved. Along with the historical significance, tour guides like to point out that this is the location of the movie, Tombraider, with Anjelina Jolie.
Since this was shortly after Buddhism took over as the dominant religion, there are many symbols including many enormous Buddha faces. Each face is made of many large stones, then carefully carved into serene faces which are meant to look down compassionately at the people.
The bas reliefs feature intricately carved elephant hunting scenes and dancing apsaras (goddesses from Hindu mythology). The apsara is a popular and traditional dance style now. Both men and women perform this pretty dance with graceful twisting hand movements.
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