TRAVERSE 61
consumed all around , including what remained of the earlier city of Yasodharapura to the north , making areas of Angkor Thom at least three hundred years older . In fact , the city was still named after the former until as recently as the 16th century .
Look hard enough and you ’ ll find a clear distinction between the two eras making for an interesting contrast of styles that blend seamlessly , an indication to the understanding and quality of the craftsmen involved .
Venturing further into the mazelike alleys I find myself listening to the sounds of daily life , something that hasn ’ t filled the corners of Angkor Thom for over 400 years . My imagination is running wild with scenes of what could ’ ve been , so is the power in the history of such constructions . In fact , very little is known about Angkor Thom . Experts suggest the population could ’ ve been as high as 150,000 residents but no one can be sure . Writings allude to the fact that Angkor Thom was abandoned some time in the early 17th century , the first Europeans to come across the remains of the once great city likened it to the city of legend , an Atlantis amongst the jungle .
TRAVERSE 61