Unlike other monuments, Banteay Kdei does not have a stela which provides information about its construction. It was likely built over the site of another temple dating from the 10th-century reign of Rajendravarman (944-968). Banteay Kdei was built around late 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181 - c.1220). The temple has attracted some attention because an important cache of Buddhist statuary was uncovered during the excavation in 2001. It is possible that they were hidden for protection from the iconoclastic reign of Jayavarman VIII (c.1243-1295).