The oldest and at the same time youngest tower of Preah Vihear
In front of the east palace of Gopura III is a single sandstone tower (a small black spot in front of the main temple, at the drawing above), opened to the East and to the West.
By its style it dates about 1200 AD. Originally this tower is clearly older than the terrace which was later built around it. This tower probably replaces a building erected by King Yasovarman I (889-900).
(Briggs, p. 111.)
The location of this tower gives the reason why the axis of the later temple is shifted to the East. The tower opens to east and west, as those of the main towers ofPhnom Bakheng, Phnom Krom, and Phnom Bok. The tower seems to have been reconstructed by King Jayavarman VII (1181-1220) who has also rebuilt other old temples, for example Banteay Thom. If it would be older, it would have been completed.

Back to Prasat Preah Vihear