The principal temple of the Angkorian region in Cambodia is Angkor Wat, it was built between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II. Suryavarman ascended to the throne after a battle with a rival prince, he was said to have leapt onto his rival's war elephant and killed him.

Suryavarman built Angkor Wat as his personal temple mausoleum, he dedicated the temple to the Hindu God Vishnu rather than to Siva, breaking with the Khmer King tradition.

The walls are nearly one-half mile long on each side, with the central towers representing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. The outer walls represent the mountains enclosing the world, and the moat meaning the oceans beyond. The temple walls are decorated with bas reliefs depicting scenes from mythology, and the life of the imperial court.