Illinois Valley Archaeological Society Lecture: A Travelers View of the Important Archaeological Site Angkor Wat

Illinois Valley Archaeological Society Lecture: A Travelers View of the Important Archaeological Site Angkor Wat

• Location: ISM Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown
• Date: Wednesday, November 04, 2015, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Please Note: Lecture will be held at the Lewistown Visitor Center

Illinois Valley Archaeological Society chapter member, local resident, and world traveler Mike Turk will present a talk on “Angkor Wat” at the chapter’s monthly meeting, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 beginning at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Lewistown Visitor Center, 222 S. Main St. Lewistown, IL. The Visitor Center is located next to the Subway Sandwich Shop on South Main St.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Cambodia. It grew to prominence in the early 12th century becoming the largest religious site and city in the world. Compromising both Hindu and Buddhist motifs, the temples have undergone extensive repair and construction to become a premier stop for historical intrigue. Covering nearly 240 square miles and with a historical population of nearly 750,000 inhabitants, it is the largest archaeological site in the world. Numerous temples called "Wats" are scattered throughout the site. Beautifully constructed and decorated, the temples reflect the prominence of the ancient kingdom of Angkor.

Discussion will cover photographs of the site, architecture, religious symbolism, history and many other interesting topics. The recent history of Cambodia and how an archaeological site is viewed in another part of the world will be shown. Southeast Asia has long been a crossroads of trade for both goods and ideas; Angkor Wat is the pinnacle of these activities.

This lecture is free and the public is invited to attend the lecture and the refreshments following.