"One of these temples – a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michael Angelo – might take an honourable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome...
The work of giants!
The expression would be very just, if used figuratively, in speaking of these prodigious works, of which no one who has not seen them can form any adequate idea; and in the construction of which patience, strength, and genius appear to have done their utmost in order to leave to future generations proofs of their power and civilisation ..."
Henri Mouhot (1826-1861)
Describing the 'Ongcor' temple (Angkor Wat), in 'Travels in the Central Parts of Indo-China (Siam, Cambodia and Laos during the Years 1858, 1859 and 1860)'.
