Ancient Khmer Rouge surviving temples to be protected by locals

via Phnom Penh Post, 10 Jan 2019: Villagers in Banteay Meanchey protecting a sacred hill believed to contain the remains of two ancient temples.

Beneath the surface of a remote hill in Tuol Pongro commune, in Banteay Meanchey’s Malai district, lie two “mysterious” ancient temples that survived the Khmer Rouge years, waiting to be discovered.

The local community and authorities are playing their roles in preserving the “treasures”.

Prasat Knong and Prasat Krao temples are buried under Prey Praseth hill. Commune chief Sim Morn said the two are believed to have been excavated during the war.

Evidence of the digging can apparently be seen on the ground. He estimated that the former’s structure has been most damaged, while the latter is still in good shape.

“It is not clear when the temples had been excavated. The hill used to be a battleground. After the war ended, people came to live around this area and found proof of excavation,” he said.

Source: Ancient Khmer Rouge surviving temples to be protected by locals, National, Phnom Penh Post