The Terrace of the Elephants is
part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman
VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few
ruins remain. Most of the original structure was made of organic material and has long since disappeared. Most of what remains
are the foundation platforms of the complex. The terrace is named for the carvings of elephants on its eastern face. The 350m-long
Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience
hall. It has five outworks extending towards the Central Square-three in the centre and one at each end. The middle section
of the retaining wall is decorated with life size garuda and lions; towards either end are the two parts of the famous parade
of elephants complete with their Khmer mahouts.