THE HISTORICAL DATING OF ANCIENT WIANG HAENG TOWN, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

Abstract

From this study it was discovered that there were pre-historical people inhabiting Wianghaeng ancient town approximately 5500 year ago, (Horbiniant group). These people lived in caves near the river and hunted in the surrounding area. Subsequently, the people learned how to cultivate plants and domesticate wild animals and therefore became a small, permanent community which used the plain near the hill. This historical period was a very important time for the development of the northern lands, including Wianghaeng ancient town. The excavation at Wianghaeng ancient town found traces of early habitation from the period 16-17 A.D. which was the golden age of the Northern town (Lanna) during the rein of King Tilokkarat. Wianghang ancient town was completely excavated due to the fact that there are over 50 ruins around the Wianghaeng plain. One of the most significant finds was the Lanna Buddha, found from Huayhok and Wianghaeng temple. However, Wianghaeng ancient town started to decline in 17-18 A.D. due to it’s frontier which resulted in it suffering from the negative effects of war. The results of the excavation support the understanding that Wianghaeng was a small town with a small population which often migrated. This meant that the community never grew and was abandoned in Rattanakosin period.