If ever there was a spectacular ancient site that looks like a set from an Indiana Jones movie, it would have to be the Beng Mealea temple in Cambodia, located 40 km east of he main group of temples at Angkor, but now lost within dense covering of trees and overgrowth.
Although it is widely referred to as the Jungle Temple, Beng Mealea means Lotus Pond, and it was originally built as a Hindu temple, but does display Buddhist motifs in places. It is located at the centre of an ancient Angkorian road that connected Angkor Thom and Preah Khan.
The sandstone temple is a complete ruin, largely unrestored with thick brush and large trees thriving amidst the towers and courtyards as nature continues to run riot year after year. Stones can be found lying in great heaps and although it does have historical importance, it is only on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Status.
Watch the video to see some truly stunning pictures, and to learn more about this early 12th century wonder that is being swallowed up by nature.
All images are taken from Google Images for educational purposes only. Please subscribe to Ancient Architects, Like the video, and please leave a comment below. Thank you.
#AncientArchitects #BengMealea #AngkorWat
