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Cambodia Restores Ancient Library
at Angkor

Cambodia’s Queen Norodom Monineath unveiled the freshly restored 800-year-old Northern Library in the ruins of the ancient city of Angkor September 29. According to an Associated Press report, the $1-million, five-year restoration was bankrolled by the Japanese government and is the first of several preservation projects under way to save the crumbling Bayon temple, in which the library is located.

Following a traditional dance performance in the roofless library, the queen called for additional funding to restore Angkor, the major tourist attraction in Cambodia, best known for its centerpiece temple, Angkor Wat. The entire site has been severely damaged by erosion, war, and looting.

Archaeologists speculate that the library may once have held palm-leaf manuscripts.

Posted October 4, 1999.

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