Spean Praptos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spean Praptos |
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The bridge's corbel arches
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| Coordinates | 13°07′36″N 104°20′20″E / 13.12667°N 104.33889°E |
| Carries | Road traffic |
| Crosses | Chickreng River |
| Locale | Siem Reap Province, Cambodia |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Corbel arch |
| Material | Stone |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 12th century |
Spean Praptos (which means "Bridge of Directions" in Khmer) is a very old stone bridge in Cambodia. It is found on a historic road that connected important ancient cities like Angkor. This amazing bridge is near the village of Kampong Kdei in Siem Reap Province.
For a long time, Spean Praptos was known as the longest stone-arch bridge in the world. It has more than 20 arches and stretches about 87 meters (285 feet) long.
Contents
Spean Praptos: A Bridge from the Past
Spean Praptos is a famous example of ancient Cambodian engineering. It was built using a special design called a Corbel arch. This means that each stone layer sticks out a little further than the one below it. This creates a strong, pointed arch without needing a central keystone.
Who Built This Ancient Bridge?
This impressive bridge was built a long time ago, in the 12th century. This was during the time of the powerful Khmer Empire. The bridge was built when Jayavarman VII was the emperor. He was a very important king who built many temples and roads.
Why Was This Bridge Important?
The bridge was a key part of an ancient road network. This network helped people travel and trade across the Khmer Empire. It allowed goods and people to move easily, connecting different parts of the kingdom. Even today, it shows how skilled ancient builders were.
Spean Praptos Today
Today, Spean Praptos is still standing strong. It is a reminder of Cambodia's rich history and amazing ancient architecture. It is a popular spot for visitors who want to see a piece of the past. The bridge is also featured on the Cambodian 5,000 riel banknote.
Images for kids
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Spean Praptos front view
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The bridge is depicted on the Cambodian 5,000 riel bank note
