| Why do women dominate Angkor Wat, the largest ancient religious monument on Earth?; Female divinity | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 24 2009, 12:28 PM (582 Views) | |
| Heavenzsun | Nov 24 2009, 12:28 PM Post #1 |
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In the 12th Century AD, the Khmer Empire reached its peak, ruling most of what is now Southeast Asia. As Europe struggle in the Dark Ages, King Suryavarman II built this massive edifice at the height of his empire’s glory between 1,116-1,150AD. Devata in the Cruciform Gallery of Angkor Wat Devata in the Cruciform Gallery of Angkor Wat But within 200 years, the powerful Khmer civilization mysteriously collapsed. Theories of its downfall abound but nothing is definite. You see, aside from limited temple inscriptions no written records of the great Khmer Empire survived its demise. The “best” written account available is from the Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan, who recorded his journey to Suvannabhum, the legendary Khmer “Land of Gold”, 150 years after Angkor Wat was completed. Centuries passed and dense jungle swallowed the magnificent Khmer temples and cities. Western scholars had never learned that the great Khmer race ever existed. But in the 18th Century, French explorers rediscovered the ruins, initiating 150 years of intense scholarship that continues today. Yet we believe that they have missed the most important keys to the puzzle, hidden in plain sight… People worldwide instantly recognize Angkor Wat. Few, however, realize that this massive temple has protected the most extraordinary royal portrait collection in the world for nearly 1,000 years: covering its walls there are 1,780 sacred women realistically rendered in stone. For 150 years, scholars have simply dismissed the women as ornaments who “are there to entertain the king in heaven” or to “decorate the bare limestone walls.” Our growing body of research indicates that these women served much more profound roles than mere decoration. For the first time, our investigation asks: http://www.devata.org/ |
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| Chicago | Nov 24 2009, 02:03 PM Post #2 |
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I don't understand your topic |
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