From Angkor: "Banteay Samre is one of the most complete complexes
at Angkor due to restoration using the method of anastylosis. Unfortunately,
the absence of maintenance over the past 20 years is evident. The name
Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region
at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No
inscription has been found for this temple, but the style of most of the
architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor
Wat. The monument most likely dates from the same period, or, perhaps,
slightly later, although there are additions attributed to the Bayon style.
The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature
is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must
have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. All of the buildings
around the moat are on a raised base with horizontal mouldings, decorated
in some areas with figures framed by lotus buds."
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