INTRODUCTION ON TEMPLES & RUINS
There are many missing bricks in relation to the ruins of Ayutthaya. For one, there is no clear chronological record of their construction. It is nearly
impossible to determine the exact sequence of their development. Such information would be priceless in understanding how the city unfolded over
centuries. Beth Fouser classifies the city's temple into three architectural sub-periods. The first began when King U-Thong (Ramathibodi I) founded the city
in 1351. This sub-period is characterized by the predominance of Khmer-influenced sanctuary towers known as prangs. After King U-Thong established a
settlement in Ayutthaya, he marched military troops to Angkor to find a resource for inexpensive labor. Thousands of war slaves, women, and skilled
artisans were removed from Angkor to build his new city. Naturally, they brought knowledge about this architectural style with them.