Bayon

Refers to a style named for the Buddhist Temple of Bayon, a central temple built by Jayavarman VII (1181-1220 CE) in the capital Angkor Thom. The style is characterized by wide gallery spaces, central sanctuaries in a circular ground-plan surrounded by an array of chapels, and towers positioned atop sanctuaries adorned with carved, large-scale faces. The style is driven by fervent religious sentiment and spiritual obligations to provide a central rendezvous and respite for the gods to conduct celestial ceremonies.