Angkor Wat wins 2014 most favorite archeological site award

Cambodia Herald | 1 November 2014

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Cambodia's world heritage site Angkor Wat won the champion of Archaeo-Madness 2014 after defeating its opponent, Caracol of Belize, in the final round through online voting, according to the website of Ministry of Tourism.

This year ArchaeoMadness, organized by Archaeological Institute of America, was joined by 32 well-known archaeological sites around the world for the one-month competition. Everyday participants voted for their favorite archeological site, and the winning sites from each match-up proceeded to the next round until the championship.

The 2014 competition started from September 17. Angkor Wat, a 9th - 15th century Khmer capital and the icon of arts and architecture, defeated Chacon Canyon (USA) in the first round, Machu Picchu (Peru) in the second round on September 29. Angkor Wat continued to beat Tikal (Guatemala) in the third round on October 9, Cahokia (USA) in the fourth round on October 15, and finally Caracol (Belize) in the final round on October 18, and claimed the championship of Archaeo-Madness 2014, the website said.

Caracol of Belize made a big surprise as it won over Pompeii (Italy), Sterkfontein (South Africa), Troy (Turkey) and Petra (Sudan). However, Caracol failed to defeat Angkor Wat in the final round.

"The achievement of this global award is a new pride for Cambodia which demonstrates the effort of the Cambodian Royal Government in protection and restoration of the Angkor archaeological site."