The first mentions of Angkor and it’s temples date back to 800 AD and it is believed that most of Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century. There are different theories that try to explain why among which War and Invasion, Change of the state religion from Hinduism to Buddhism which weakened the conception of Kingship and Natural disasters. What is sure is that besides the main site Angkor Wat, most of the Temples where abonnondend and then overtaken by Nature. Only starting 1907 and until 1970, the École française d’Extrême-Orient, started restoration and preservation works, clearing away the forest, repairing foundations, and installing drains to protect the constructions from water damage.
Photo taken at: Angkor Thom