Siemreab Travel Guide

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Terrace of the Leper King

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Siemreab, Cambodia

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The 12th century Terrace of the Leper King is a 7 meter high platform that is located at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants. It is named for the 15th century “Leper King” statue that sits on top of the terrace. It is debatable why the statue is called the “Leper King”, although some believe that it has to do with the discoloured and lichen-eaten condition of the statue when it was found. Others believe the statue is that of Yama, the god of death, and that the royal crematorium was housed at the terrace. In any case, the original statue is on display at the National Museum in Phnom Penh, and a replica is shown on the terrace.

The terrace has a double retaining wall with detailed carvings of figures such as nagas and demons, as well as kings and their courts. The south side of the terrace contains a hidden terrace that contains particularly well preserved carvings that look very fresh and menacing.