Statue dating back 800 years discovered near Angkor Wat in Cambodia

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Archaeologists working in the grounds of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat complex have unearthed a two-metre-tall statue thought to date back to the 12th century.

The sandstone figure is believed to resemble a guard, which would once have towered over the entrance to an ancient hospital.

While it is a popular tourist attraction today, the ancient grounds have been looted prolifically, making new discoveries rare.

Engravings depicting clothing from the period are still visible on the 800-year-old statue – which is largely intact, although its arms and legs are missing.

Found 40cm beneath the surface, archaeologists made the significant discovery on only their second day of excavations.

They were searching for artefacts on the site of an ancient hospital built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who once presided over the Khmer Empire in present day Siem Reap.

The king, a devoted Buddhist who reigned from 1181 to about 1220, had a reputation for social projects.

Archaeologists are now searching for the Medicine Buddha, a prized statue thought to have been placed in one of four hospitals built in the area.

Historian Rethy Chhem told The Cambodia Daily that none of the hospitals had been properly excavated.

“We would hit gold if we found the statue of the Buddha,” he said.