Cambodia: Cham archers attacking the Khmer army, bas-relief, The Bayon, Angkor Thom. The Bayon was originally the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. The Bayon, at the centre of Angkor Thom (Great City), was established in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Angkor Thom, meaning 'The Great City', is located one mile north of Angkor Wat. It was built in the late 12th century CE by King Jayavarman VII, and covers an area of 9 km, within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors.