The acrimonious dispute, which flared into violence last week, concerns much more than a few square kilometers of rugged territory.

The Preah Vihear Temple was built gradually from the 9th to the 12th century, during the heyday of the Khmer Empire centered in Angkor. This temple is a place of worship for the Hindu god Shiva. Preah Vihear is situated 525 meters above sea level, near cliffs. From this location, visitors can enjoy a wide view of the Cambodian lowlands.

People on both sides of the border share a cultural heritage much older than modern nation-states, dating back to the ancient Khmer civilization.