Bằng An Tháp (temple tower)

Champa Culture, South Vietnam; Hindu Shiva Temple Sanctuary located 30 km south of Danang, on the Thu Bon River, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Constructed in the 11th century C.E., Bằng An Tháp is one of three original towers still standing and has a unique octogon plan with square entrance which doors on three sides (originally). It is 21.5 m high and was "restored" by the French during the colonial period.

Elevation is c. 9 meters (29 feet) above sea level.

Materials: Fired brick. There is controversy as to whether the bricks were fire before or after placement. Also, the mortarless bricks are glued together with a still mysterious substance.

Data for CG model:
1. Parmentier, Henri,1909; Inventaire Descriptif des Monuments Čams de L'Annam: Planches d'après les relevés et les dessins de l'auteur. Publications de l'École française d'Extrême-Orient 12: Inventaire Descriptif des Monuments Čams de L'Annam. Ernest Leroux, Paris.