Last Updated on May 20, 2021
Almost opposite and parallel to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King there were a few crumbling laterite towers – 12 of them to be precise. The towers had a square floor plan and big open windows on the lower floor. There were two windowless smaller storeys stacked onto the lower floor. Tes mentioned that the name of these structures – Suor Prat – translated to the ‘Towers of the Rope Dancers’.
These towers are located directly opposite the Royal Palace enclosure and placed symmetrically on either side of the royal road leading towards the Victory Gate.
Was Suor Prat used to perform acrobatic acts…
There are various theories regarding the significance of the Suor Prat towers. Some historians believe that the towers were used to showcase acrobatics.
The towers were used to support a high wire stretched between them and acrobats performed acts like tightrope walking during royal festivals while the King and the royal members watched the festivities from the Elephants terrace.
Or to settle legal disputes…
Another theory was that the towers were probably used to resolve legal disputes. There was an interesting custom that was practised in those days. If there was a conflict between two men that could not be resolved, both men were locked up in one of the towers. After four days of isolation, the guilty party would have fallen sick while the other one would have not been affected.
Or to receive the King’s guests…
Finally, some historians believe that the towers were used to receive important guests. The towers have great views of the parade grounds making them great vantage points for viewing the ceremonies, games and army parades conducted at the royal palace.
We did not stop to explore the towers in detail and took a few pictures as we drove by to our next destination, Ta Prohm, the tomb raider temple..
