Rediscovery

After the decline of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, Angkor Wat was never completely abandoned, as Buddhist monks continued to live there. However, over time, the temple became surrounded by dense jungle and was largely unknown to the outside world. 

In 1860, a French naturalist named Henri Mouhot visited the site and wrote detailed descriptions of its grandeur. His writings introduced Angkor Wat to the Western world, sparking great interest in Cambodian history and architecture. Although local people had always known of the temple, Henri Mouhot is often credited with its "rediscovery" in the eyes of the world. Since then, Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Cambodia and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Half a league from this city is a temple called Angar. It is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of. There are many smaller towers of similar style, in the same stone, which are gilded. The temple is surrounded by a moat, and access is by a single bridge, protected by two stone tigers so grand and fearsome as to strike terror into the visitor.