Towards a temporal assessment of Angkor Thom’s Theravada “Buddhist Terrace” archaeology

Abstract

The population of the Cambodian Angkorian Empire (802–1431 CE) and its namesake capital underwent a collective, gradual religious transition from Brahmano-Buddhism (Hindu and Mahayana practice) to Theravada Buddhism beginning in the mid/late-13^th century CE. Marked by a material shift from temple-mountains to smaller prayer halls ((preah vihear or “Buddhist Terraces”) as the primary focal points of politico-religious organization, the initial “Theravadization” of Angkorian society primarily took place within the confines of the 12^th century walled civic-ceremonial center of Angkor Thom. Within which, upwards of seventy Buddhist Terraces have thus far been identified, representing one of the most significant yet undocumented religious building programs in Angkorian history. Our study synthesizes the results of three field seasons (2017–2019) of Buddhist Terrace survey and excavation within Angkor Thom, and through radiometric and stratigraphic analysis we suggest that the dissemination of preah vihear began in earnest at Angkor during the 14^th century. We also assess the structure and placement of Buddhist Terraces across Angkor Thom in relation to identified urban-spatial patterns and emerging sequences of site occupation, and contextualize this era of Theravada monastic dissemination within existing studies of Brahmano-Buddhist temple conversion at Angkor, the geopolitical decline of Angkor, and its aftermath.