THE MOAT RAMPART OF U-THONG: NEWLY DISCOVERED INFORMATION FROM THE 2010 EXCAVATION

Abstract

The study of the moat rampart of U-thong Ancient City through an archaeological excavation in 2010 reveals a large amount of evidence including many antiques which can be studied to help with the understanding of the cultural development of the city.

The excavated archaeological evidence suggests that the area around the moat rampart was utilized around 5th century A.D., and further shows that U-thong Ancient City is an early Indian-influenced seaport, which is similar to Oc-Eo in Vietnam. Moreover, it can be seen that there was the use of specific language for trading with India and other ancient cities in the region from approximately the 6th century A.D.

From the study of the stratigraphy of the moat rampart, it was discovered that the west moat rampart was built around 6-7th century A.D., and in 11th century A.D. the western moat rampart was utilized as the city graveyard. The burial-related evidence indicates the existence of traditional folk beliefs despite the fact that Buddhism had been long established in the community. In lated-Dvaravati Period, the use of the moat rampart continued before being abandoned along with the desertion of U-thong probably due to a change in topography