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    Deep in the jungles of central Cambodia, lie the beautiful and mysterious ruins of Angkor. One of the most famous historical sites in the world, Angkor’s temples, breathtaking sculptures and vast reflecting pools are part of the splendid remains of the ancient Khmer Empire.The Khmer Empire prospered for 600 years from the ninth to the fifteenth century AD and was a highly developed civilization, as demonstrated by over a thousand temples and the elaborate irrigation system at Angkor. The site includes the famous temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple with its countless sculpted decorations. Spirituality, architecture, culture, economics and town planning all come together in an exceptional balance in Angkor, which stretches over 400 kilometres and is the largest site of its kind in the world. Angkor has been under threat since a French explorer drew attention to the site in 1860, with looting vandalism and treasure hunting a constant problem. From 1908 until 1970 the site was protected by the Conservation d’Angkor, but after Cambodia was consumed by violence and genocide in 1974, Angkor became inaccessible and the site suffered from neglect and plundering. Sculptures and fragments were removed and sold outside the country. In 1992 Angkor was inscribed simultaneously on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, both established under an international treaty adopted in 1972 to protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage. International efforts to preserve the site, with money from governments, including the Japanese and Italians, have made the Angkor Archaeological Park the largest conservation workshop in the world. A committee of the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) upholds the World Heritage List and grants resources from the World Heritage Fund. Emergency assistance is also available when a site is threatened with imminent destruction. People everywhere want to protect their cultural heritage. With 630 cultural and natural sites already protected worldwide, UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee work to ensure that future generations can enjoy the treasures of the past. FIND OUT MORE about UNESCO's work and the World Heritage sites. Check out the links next to the Angkor sculpture. ADDITIONAL CULTURE STORIES: Asif restores a community Afel keeps his culture alive | Raki runs her own show Photo Credit: UNESCO |
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