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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 LEPER KING

Location: Within the walled city of Angkor Thom.

Built: 12th century

Creator: Jayavarman VII

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.

The relief on the walls have stories. The inner wall carvings are more beautiful. They are cover with underworld deities, kings, devatas, apsaras, warriors and strange marine creatures.

The statue was called Leper King because of discoloration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy. Also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of Angkorain King Yasovarman I who had leprosy .

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The statue was called Leper King because of discoloration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy.
Also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of Angkorain King Yasovarman I who had leprosy.

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The inner wall carvings are more interesting, covered with underworld deities,
kings, devatas, apsaras, warriors and strange marine creatures.

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