Archeologists in Cambodia uncovered a dozen ancient statues. The figures are called “door guardians.”
Diggers found the statues at the Angkor World Heritage Site. “World Heritage Site” is a valuable label. Only major landmarks receive it. The pyramids of Egypt are on the list. So is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The Angkor site contains the ruins of a royal palace. In the 11th century, it was the capital of the Khmer Empire. That empire once covered much of Southeast Asia. It lasted for over 600 years. At Angkor, people learn about its culture.
Many Khmer treasures have vanished. Cambodia went through a long period of civil war. Some people looted rare artifacts during that time.
But the door guardians still stand.
The sandstone statues depict guards at attention. They are about 40 inches tall. Researchers found them outside the palace’s north gate. Each figure has unique facial hair and decorations. Some were buried nearly five feet deep.
Researchers carefully noted the statues’ positions. Then they removed the figures for cleaning. Experts will restore the statues. Eventually, they will put the guardians back.
Tourists often visit the historic site. In the first half of 2024, a half million visitors traveled there from other countries.
But not everyone loves this tourist attraction. Angkor wasn’t always a research site. Not long ago, people lived there. The government forced thousands of families to move. Is it worth uprooting living communities to learn about ancient ones? It’s good to learn about history. But God also tells us to love our neighbors.
The Khmer Empire reminds us that earthly powers don’t last. Even mighty kingdoms fall. But God’s kingdom never will. What God builds last forever. When we put our treasure in His kingdom, it never vanishes.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. — Matthew 6:19-20
