Construction of Angkor Thom began in the late 12th century on the command of King Jayavarman VII. At its peak, the walled-in, capital city of the Khmer Empire named Yaśodharapura grew to over one million residents. Within this 3.5 square mile complex are several fascinating temples in the Bayon style of architecture. An example is this one called Baphuon. Angkor Thom also contains Bayon, the famous state temple featuring huge towers with carved faces. Angkor Thom was abandoned in the early 15th century after the city was attacked in 1431 by Borommarachathirat II, the king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
