Roluos

Roluos was the first capital of the Khmer Empire, located about 13 kilometers east of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Serving as the capital under the reigns of kings Indravarman I (reigned 877-889 CE) and his son Yasovarman I (reigned 889-circa 900 CE), it represents an important early stage in the development of Khmer architecture and art.

The Roluos group of temples includes several key structures:

• Preah Ko: Constructed by Indravarman I and dedicated in 880 CE, Preah Ko is a temple dedicated to Shiva and to the king's ancestors. It consists of six brick towers arranged in two rows.

• Bakong: Built by Indravarman I and dedicated in 881 CE, Bakong is a temple mountain that represents Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. It's a stepped pyramid structure with surrounding enclosure walls and moats.

• Lolei: Constructed by Yasovarman I on an island in the now-dry Indratataka baray (reservoir), Lolei is dedicated to Shiva and to the king's parents and grandparents.

The transition from Roluos to Angkor as the capital marked a shift in administrative and religious focus. While Roluos demonstrated the early mastery of Khmer engineering and artistic techniques, the move to Angkor allowed for the construction of even more monumental structures, reflecting the growing power and influence of the Khmer Empire. The Roluos temples offer valuable insight into the architectural evolution leading to the iconic Angkor Wat. The site is now a popular tourist destination and a significant archaeological site.