Cambodian archaeologists discover centuries-old statues at Angkor Unesco site

A centuries-old sandstone statue being measured at Angkor Thom in Cambodia (Phouk Chea/Apsaras National Authority via AP)

Archaeologists in Cambodia have unearthed a dozen centuries-old sandstone statues in a “remarkable discovery” at the Angkor World Heritage Site near the city of Siem Reap, authorities said.

The statues — depicting so-called “door guardians” — were discovered last week near the north gate leading to the 11th-century Royal Palace at Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, said Long Kosal, spokesman for the Apsara National Authority – the government agency that oversees the archaeological park.