Angkor Wat stands as one of the most incredible monuments of human history, built by the Khmer Empire in the twelfth century.
This quiz looks at its layout, mythology, and unique orientation. You will see questions about its sandstone structure, relief carvings, and solar alignments.
When you finish, browse our quizzes on sacred architecture, learn about historic places, or explore unique UNESCO heritage sites.
In which modern-day country is the temple complex of Angkor Wat located?
Laos
Laos
Thailand
Thailand
Vietnam
Vietnam
Cambodia
Cambodia
Angkor Wat was originally constructed as a temple dedicated to which religion?
Jainism
Jainism
Taoism
Taoism
Hinduism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Buddhism
Which Khmer King is credited with commissioning the construction of Angkor Wat in the 12th century?
Yasovarman I
Yasovarman I
Suryavarman II
Suryavarman II
Jayavarman VII
Jayavarman VII
Indravarman I
Indravarman I
What is the primary material used to construct the structure of Angkor Wat?
Marble tiles
Marble tiles
Limestone rocks
Limestone rocks
Sandstone blocks
Sandstone blocks
Granite pillars
Granite pillars
The central towers of Angkor Wat are designed to represent what iconic feature of the Hindu religion?
Mountain peak
Mountain peak
Lotus flower
Lotus flower
Elephant foot
Elephant foot
Serpent scale
Serpent scale
What famous Hindu mythological event is depicted in the longest continuous bas-relief at Angkor Wat?
The life of the Buddha
The life of the Buddha
Churning of the Ocean of Milk
Churning of the Ocean of Milk
The coronation of a king
The coronation of a king
The creation of the world
The creation of the world
What architectural feature surrounds the perimeter of Angkor Wat, symbolizing the cosmic ocean?
Bridge
Bridge
Wall
Wall
Trench
Trench
Moat
Moat
In the late 13th century, the official religion of the Khmer Empire transitioned to which belief system, leading to modifications at Angkor Wat?
Hinduism to Theravada Buddhism
Hinduism to Theravada Buddhism
Animism to Hinduism
Animism to Hinduism
Buddhism to Hinduism
Buddhism to Hinduism
Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism
Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism
How many central lotus-bud towers form the iconic profile of Angkor Wat?
Three towers
Three towers
Seven towers
Seven towers
Nine towers
Nine towers
Five towers
Five towers
The layout of Angkor Wat is intended to represent the structure of the universe by mimicking the home of the gods known as:
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus
Mount Everest
Mount Everest
Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash
Which term refers specifically to the carved celestial dancers depicted in the reliefs of Angkor Wat?
Apsaras
Apsaras
Devatas
Devatas
Garudas
Garudas
Yakshas
Yakshas
Unlike most other Khmer temples that face east, Angkor Wat is famously oriented to face which direction?
East
East
West
West
South
South
North
North
Historians believe Angkor Wat served which specific purpose in addition to being a religious temple?
Administrative center
Administrative center
Funeral temple for the King
Funeral temple for the King
Military fortress
Military fortress
University for monks
University for monks
What engineering technique allowed the massive sandstone blocks of Angkor Wat to fit so tightly together without mortar?
Precision dry-stone masonry
Precision dry-stone masonry
Use of complex crane systems
Use of complex crane systems
Extensive use of timber framing
Extensive use of timber framing
External scaffolding systems
External scaffolding systems
The bas-reliefs in the western gallery of Angkor Wat prominently feature scenes celebrating which Hindu deity?
Shiva
Shiva
Vishnu
Vishnu
Ganesha
Ganesha
Brahma
Brahma
Which subject is primarily depicted in the relief panels located in the galleries of Angkor Wat?
Trade routes with China
Trade routes with China
Hindu mythology and epics
Hindu mythology and epics
Agricultural practices in the Mekong
Agricultural practices in the Mekong
The daily life of common citizens
The daily life of common citizens
Roughly how large is the entire temple enclosure of Angkor Wat?
620,000 square meters
620,000 square meters
720,000 square meters
720,000 square meters
920,000 square meters
920,000 square meters
820,000 square meters
820,000 square meters
Which mythical multi-headed serpent figures prominently in the causeway leading to the Angkor Wat entrance?
Nagas
Nagas
Singhas
Singhas
Garudas
Garudas
Makaras
Makaras
The sun is known to rise directly above the central tower of Angkor Wat during which major solar event?
Lunar eclipses
Lunar eclipses
Equinoxes
Equinoxes
Solstices
Solstices
New moons
New moons
In what year was the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Angkor Wat, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site?
1992
1992
1998
1998
1995
1995
1989
1989
From which location were the millions of sandstone blocks for Angkor Wat transported?
Phnom Kulen mountain
Phnom Kulen mountain
The Tonle Sap lake
The Tonle Sap lake
Limestone cliffs
Limestone cliffs
The Mekong river banks
The Mekong river banks
Which section of Preah Khan, located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is renowned for its large numbers of Apsara carvings and historically is believed to have been a stage for ritual dance?
Hall of Dancers
Hall of Dancers
Gallery of the Kings
Gallery of the Kings
Central Sanctuary
Central Sanctuary
Galleries of a Thousand Buddhas
Galleries of a Thousand Buddhas
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