I am sure everyone played Temple Run as a kid. Endlessly swiping left and right to escape demon monkeys and dodge obstacles in what seemed like an ancient temple shrouded in mystery. But did you know, the game that had you hooked for hours drew its inspiration from a real place?
Angkor Wat.
Tucked away in the Cambodian jungle, Angkor Wat isn’t just any temple. It’s recognised by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world’s largest religious monument and is the 8th wonder of the world. It’s a relic of the Khmer Empire, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II. This architectural marvel was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist sanctuary. Angkor Wat means “City of Temples,” and is a symbol of the spiritual and architectural grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This 900 year old structure stands at an impressive 65 meters tall and took 35 years to build.
Imagine constructing a 400-acre complex without cranes, bulldozers, just human grit, sandstone, and divine vision. Mind-blowing right? Over 5 million tons of sandstone were used in its construction which were transported from the Kulen Mountains through a network of canals and rafts. Additionally, it’s believed that up to 1,000 elephants and 300,000 laborers were involved in the creation of this. Unlike most Hindu temples, Angkor Wat faces the west. The temple’s carvings depict epic ancient tales such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, showcasing its deep connection to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Angkor Wat was abandoned in 1431, and for centuries, it lay forgotten by the world until French naturalist Henri Mouhot rediscovered it in the 1860s. Since then, it has grown into one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the world, attracting over 2 million visitors per year. The preservation of Angkor Wat has been a global effort, starting with French colonial restoration in the 19th century and continuing with UNESCO’s initiatives today. However, threats like climate change, overwhelming tourism, and illegal development continue to pose risks to its survival.
Here’s the real Temple Run moment: beneath the serene exterior of Angkor Wat lies an entire network of hidden passageways and chambers, and an entire city layout that was uncovered using LiDAR technology. These findings have revealed roads, homes, reservoirs, and ceremonial spaces once thought to be lost forever. This ancient urban planning marvel is still being explored today.
This 900 year old temple took 35 years to build and considering its monumental design, it’s no wonder that it is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Being the largest religious structure in the world, it has also earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
So next time you swipe through Temple Run, remember: those adrenaline-pumping pathways, moss-covered columns, and mysterious auras weren’t just fantasy. They were born from the soul of a real temple, where architecture meets mythology, and history feels like magic.
Until next time,
Au revoir Reader :))