Banteay Chhmar Temple

Constructed: Late 9 – Early 10th century C.E
King: Jayavarman VII

Banteay Chhmar is a largely unrestored, sprawling monastic complex set amongst jungle overgrowth. Face towers, temple in jungle scenes and extensive, amazingly well preserved bas-reliefs provide some of the highlights. Banteay Chhmar was dedicated to the four army generals
and his son, the Crown Prince Indravarman, who died fighting Champa. Khmer-Cham battles are depicted in the bas relief. Located about 59km north of Sisophon Town which serves as the gateway to Banteay Chhmar and due to its remote location near the Thai border has been a target of significant looting since the 1980s. In the past looters have dismantled entire walls of the temple to remove the carvings and bas reliefs. These treasures are then sold in the illegal antiquities black market.