Cambodia: Kbal Spean

 

Kbal Spean or “Valley of a 1000 Lingas” is an archaeological site on the southwestern slopes of the Kulan Hills. This site has numerous rock relief carvings within the sandstone formations along the river bed and banks. The carvings are believed to be from the Angkorian era. Cambodia's Angkorian period lasted from the 9th to the 15th century but these specific paintings were probably created around the 11th to 12th century and made by hermits that lived around this area.  Most of the paintings depicted at Kbal Spean are of Hindu gods including Shiva and Brahma. Kbal Spean did not become an archaeological site until 1969 by Jean Boulbet but was cut off from research during the Cambodian Civil War which started in 1967 and ended in 1975. Kbal Spean was once again reopened for research in 1989 as well as being deemed safe for visits from the general public, to this day you can visit and see all of these beautiful pieces of ancient artwork when visiting Kbal Spean.