In 1177, the Cham (Champa was a former kingdom in present day Vietnam) used ships to conduct a surprise raid on the Khmer Empire’s capital city. The following year, Jayavarman led counter attacks including a naval battle to defeat Jaya Indravarman IV. Featured on the prow of the battle boats were mythological beasts such as the nāga (right), the garuda (left) and a sea serpent called makara. These are small replicas of the Khmer king’s fleet. The wooden Kongkear boats offer rides around the moat similar to a gondola. In the background is the gopura or gateway forming the southern entrance to Angkor Thom.
