Victory Gate of Angkor Thom

Aside from West, North, East and South Gate allowing access to Angkor Thom, the royal city had one more gate built on its eastern wall – Victory Gate. The Victory Gate is in line with the Royal Palace area and was clearly erected to allow for direct access to the Royal Square.

Photo: Victory Gate of Angkor Thom - View from the West in the Afternoon (good lighting)
Photo: Victory Gate of Angkor Thom - View from the West in the Afternoon (good lighting)

Similar to the South Gate, Victory Gate is crowned with the face tower and flanked by Airavata – the three headed elephants plucking lotus flowers with their trunks. Due to extensive theft of Angkorian artefacts by local people of Cambodia, many figures lining the causeway across the moat leading towards the Victory Gate were stolen or damaged during theft attempts. Most lack heads with only parts of their bodies holding naga balustrade as if in a tug-of-war remain.

Photo: Victory Gate of Angkor Thom with Vandalized Balustrade on Either Side
Photo: Victory Gate of Angkor Thom with Vandalized Balustrade on Either Side

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