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It is found that some 12th-century temples and complexes of Angkor Wat, in the Cambodian rainforest, were larger and different from what has been surmised, says a study  being conducted by the University of Sydney (USYD).

The scientists conducted their study with the help of airplanes that had laser-scanning (LiDAR) technology, as well as radar penetrating the ground. They also conducted excavation in a few regions that mapped the pre-industrial temple, according to a release.

On the southern side, the temple had a huge, unique structure, according to the researchers. "This structure, which has dimensions of more than 1500m×600m, is the most striking discovery associated with Angkor Wat to date. Its function remains unknown and, as yet, it has no known equivalent in the Angkorian world," Professor Fletcher of USDYD said.

A number of buried towers built up and later destroyed during the assembling of the main temple were also found when it was assembled. They also found some remains of a shrine used during the construction of the main temple.

Different functions were attributed to the surrounding areas, which were 'temple cities' or sacred areas, while "a grid of ponds, mounds and roads" used by temple employees might point towards "low-density" residences nearby.

"This challenges our traditional understanding of the social hierarchy of the Angkor Wat community and shows that the temple precinct, bounded by moat and wall, may not have been exclusively the preserve of the wealthy or the priestly elite," Dr. Fletcher said in the release.

The lush, green areas is full of banyan trees, which are strangling and spread over huge areas. There are a number of monkeys, including the macaque here.