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THE ROYAL TERRACES:
Terrace of the Elephants
Terrace of the Leper King

The Royal Terraces comprise of the “Terrace of Elephants” to the south, and “Terrace of the Leper King,” to the north. Together they form the eastern boundry of the Royal Palace grounds. Both the terraces face the parade ground, where processions, parades and other events were held. The King would watch the evnts from the Elephant Terrace. He also used the terrace to listen to problems and complaints of the people of Angkor.

TERRACE of THE ELEPHANTS

Location: Within the walled city of Angkor Thom.

Built: 12th century

Creator: Jayavarman VII

The Elephant Terrace stretches over a length of more than 200 meters, from the Baphoun in the south, to the Terrace of the Leper King in the north. The terrace is named for the sculptures in high relief of elephants and their mahouts. At several sections large elephant heads protude out of the walls, their long tunks forming pillars extending to the grounds. The terrace was used as an audience ahll for public ceremonies.

The Royal Terraces are part of UNESCO World Heritage Site [WHS], as part of Angkor Archaeological Park, which was listed in 1992. Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat , and also monuments like Bayon, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, and Banteay Srei.

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