evidence: Clinging to the edge of a dizzying 525-meter cliff in the remote Dângrêk Mountains on the modern Cambodian-Thai border, Preah Vihear temple is one of the most awe-inspiring and historically significant architectural wonders from the ancient Khmer Empire. This sprawling, 800-meter-long complex of intricately decorated temples, halls and shrines dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva represents both the pinnacle of Khmer artistry and engineering and a fascinating window into the power, devotion and worldview of medieval Khmer civilization. [...] More recently, Preah Vihear has been the center of a simmering territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, at times breaking out into armed clashes. The area contains valuable logging and farming land. The temple‘s UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2008, supported by Cambodia, angered Thai nationalists and heightened tensions. As a result, both countries maintain a tense military presence around the site. [...] Preah Vihear Temple By the Numbers - 525 meters (1,722 ft): Height of the cliff Preah Vihear is built on - 800 meters (2,625 ft): North-south length of temple complex - Early 11th century AD: Original construction date - 4 main levels, each with multiple buildings and courtyards - 2,600 hectares: Total area of Preah Vihear archeological site - 600+ meters: Total length of bas relief carvings - 120,000+: Visitor numbers in 2019 - 1962: Year Cambodia gained full sovereignty over the temple from Thailand by ICJ ruling - 2008: Year listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site