EVIDENCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANCIENT TOWN OF PHICHAI, AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to search for evidence relating to the development of the Ancient Town of Phichai. Evidence from two archaeological pits provides us with information that the ancient town of Phichai might not be from the Sukhothai Period but most of the archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient town of Phichai was definitely from the Ayutthaya period, especially during 20-22 century B.E. The evidence also indicates that this was a prosperous time for the ancient town of Phichai, according to the many sherds of Sawankhalok ceramic that were found in this ancient town. It was also discovered that the town of Phichai had many historical roles during this period as can be seen through many of the historical documents. The historical role of the ancient town of Phichai declined because of the center of that region moved to the new town at Tha-It sub-district that called “Uttaradit”. The Ancient town of Phichai was abandoned in the 24 century B.E.