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Ancient Siam (formerly known as Ancient City)(Thai: Mueang Boran) is a park constructed under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant in the shape of Thailand. Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum. Besides from important architectures that was recreated or relocated, there are also many constructions which are originated form Khun Lek Viriyaphan's imagination in the Re-Creation Area which are exotic and fascinating such as "The pavilion of the enlightened," "The Rainbow Bridge," "Sumeru Mountain," or "Botanical Garden from Thai Literature," etc. Moreover, from the Re-Creation area there might be some strange figure buildings which were built according to the written history or drawn paintings which cannot be seen anywhere in the present such as "The Phra Kaew Pavilion," "Ho Kham" of Lampang province, etc. The Ancient City is the door opening to the heritage of Thai wisdom. With a wide range of architectural symbols combined with fine arts and craftsmanship, structural layout and natural environment that integrate harmoniously, The Ancient City creates kind of atmosphere that induces visitors to perceive and appreciate the continuity of history, cultures, religions, arts and customs of Thai people from dawn until now.

Sanphet Prasat Palace

The Sanphet Prasat Palace was the principal palace in the early Ayutthaya period. It was initially built in the reign of King Baromatrai Lokanat, the eighth king of Ayutthaya. He succeeded in designing a unique architectural style that obviously differed from the preceding Khmer and Sukhothai styles. The distinctive artistic style was later known as the Ayutthaya school which appeared in many parts of the Sanphet Prasat Palace: the sweep of the basement, the tapering pillars, the elaborate pinnacle ornaments, the pedimented door and window frames and the overlapping roof slopes.

The Sanphet Prasat Palace was used in many important court and state ceremonies. For example, it served as a reception hall to receive many foreign dignitaries. The palace was completely renovated in the reign of King Baromakot (1732-1758 A.D.).

Unfortunately, when Ayutthaya fell to Burma in 1767 A.D., the stately palace was burnt to the ground. Only its raised brick basement remains today.

A little broken brick fence

Two large singhas (lion-like beast) guarding the entrance.

The Singha is a mystical lion, (found in ancient Hindu and Thai stories) that symbolize great power in Thailand’s mythology.

Muang Boran has rebuilt the Sanphet Prasat Palace based on archaeological and historical evidence left by Thai and foreign historians.

Also, research was conducted on the ruins to assemble a draft plan of the building.

The detailed design and ornaments of the building were executed based on documents and historical remains as well.

A proper study on the design of the interior had also been carried out. The result is superb magnificence.

Great wall paintings can be found in the central chamber or Throne Room and they depict the story of the Ten Reincarnations of Vishnu as described in an Ayutthayan chronicle.

The Sanphet Prasat at Muang Boran was once used as a reception hall by His Majesty the King to welcome Queen Elizabeth II and her consort on February 11, 1972. That day is considered the official opening day of Muang Boran.

The central ceiling panel is derived from woodcarving at the Sukhothai National Museum - a wood en ceiling panel from Wat Phra Baromthat at Muang Chalieng.

The ornamental door and window frames, their reduced counterparts on the imaginary gables of the multitiered spire and the palace spire itself are modeled after Wat Khao Bandai It, Phetchaburi Province as well as the large assembly hall from the Ayutthaya period at Wat Maha That in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Incidentally, the Throne Room of the original palace contained a gemstone encrusted gold throne, raised on a platform. When Sanphet Prasat was ransacked and destroyed in 1767, the throne was taken to Burma.

The Great Battle of Yuthahathi

The chofa is perhaps the most recognizable architectural detail in Thailand wat. Chofa literally means “bunch of air”, but is often more poetically translated as “tassel of air” and its shape is thought to derive from a highly stylized Garuda, a fierce bird featured in Hindu mythology. The Garuda is also a royal symbol and can be seen on other buildings Chofa on the top of a roof denoting that they operate ‘by royal appointment’

A Sala is an open pavilion, used as a meeting place and to protect people from sun and rain. Most are open on all four sides. They are found throughout Thailand in Buddhist temple areas, or Wats, although they can also be located in other places. A person who builds a sala at a temple or in a public place gains religious merit

Outside the palace, a large fountain

the Earth Goddess is wringing out the water accumulated from deeds of merit that Buddha had performed in his previous lives and this drowned out all of Mara's Army (evil)

According to the life of Buddha before his enlightenment Mara came and asked Buddha what right he had to attain enlightenment in his life and bring people out of their ignorance. The Buddha replied that in his past lives he had accumulated enough merit to attain enlightenment in this life. The Buddha then changed his attitude from meditation to that of subduing Mara by placing his right hand on his right knee Buddha Sakyamuni called upon the Goddess of Earth to testify that he had accumulated only virtuous deeds in all his previous lives.

Sound: Thai Traditional Music

Text & Pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda