What began as a search for the old Ayutthaya-era city walls unexpectedly led to the discovery of prehistoric human remains, revealing that Nakhon Ratchasima’s history dates back thousands of years.
This exciting find suggests that a community existed long before the well-known city moat was constructed.
The Fine Arts Department initiated excavations in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality in 2024, aiming to locate remnants of the city wall from the reign of King Narai (1656-1688) of the Ayutthaya period.
However, just days before the project's scheduled conclusion, archaeologists unearthed a startling discovery: a human skull.
Further excavation in 2024 revealed three skeletons, accompanied by numerous burial offerings. Among these were Phimai Black pottery and gold ornaments—artifacts characteristic of the prehistoric Iron Age culture.
Thermoluminescence dating confirmed the site as an ancient burial ground, dating back between 2,400 and 1,500 years. This remarkable find, achieved within just 17 days of excavation, significantly illuminated the area's prehistoric past.
Excavations near the Phon Lan Gate resumed on January 25 this year. Archaeologists from the 10th Regional Office of Fine Arts discovered three additional skeletons, along with pots and bracelets buried alongside them.
An artifact (a pot shown in the photo) unearthed at the site.//Photo from Facebook: Tongthong Chandransu
Human remains were found at depths ranging from 120 to 200 centimeters. The site work concluded on February 12. Initial estimates place the site's age at 2,500-4,000 years.
During the excavation, the Phon Lan Gate site also served as a temporary learning center, open to the public for a limited time.
Visitors, including students and history enthusiasts, were invited to explore the excavation site, observing authentic prehistoric human skeletons up close. The site also featured an exhibition and guided explanations from specialists from the Fine Arts Department.
Thai scholar and historian Tongthong Chandransu was among those who visited the site.
Tongthong Chandransu (R) visits the site and shares his impressions of the temporary exhibition.
"From what I observed today, combined with the exhibition, I now understand that this area was inhabited approximately 1,500 years ago.
The settlement persisted until nearly the dawn of the historical era—possibly the late Metal Age.
This single excavation yielded 11 skeletons, along with pottery, ornaments (including gold pieces with approximately 80% purity), and various archaeological artifacts that will significantly enhance our understanding of Thailand’s past.
“The excavation work is exceptionally meticulous. I witnessed the careful extraction and preservation of a tiny gold sheet, so small it could easily be missed.
This minute piece can offer valuable insights into the values and lifestyle of that era. Their dedication ensures we uncover not just artifacts, but also profound historical narratives that are difficult to find elsewhere,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Human remains and artifacts found at the excavation site.//Photo courtesy of Fine Arts Department
Geological Insights Deepen the Historical Narrative
Further investigation, led by Prof. Dr. Santi Pailoplee from Chulalongkorn University, revealed evidence of an ancient earthen embankment surrounding the area, hinting at a hidden history predating the Ayutthaya period.
This exciting find opens up new possibilities about the region's past.
Prof. Dr. Santi : Prof. Dr. Santi Pailoplee uncovers evidence of an earthen embankment,
suggesting another large ancient community at the site, overlapping the old city of Nakhon Ratchasima.
The key to this discovery was the examination of aerial photographs from 1954. By studying these images, the team identified a straight, continuous embankment near the Old Takhong Canal, which flows through the area.
This embankment's presence disrupted the natural water flow, raising questions about its origin. The patterns of water behavior during floods, where water was blocked and caused erosion, further supported the idea of a man-made structure.
Researchers believe this embankment formed the boundary of a large, square-shaped ancient community. They estimated its size at approximately 3.4 square kilometers, significantly larger than the later city of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Bird's-eye view of the excavation site, which is open to the public.//Photo courtesy of Fine Arts Department
This size suggests a thriving and well-established population long before the city moat. Importantly, the shape and size of the embankment indicate it was not a baray, an ancient Khmer water reservoir, which typically has a different shape.
While this discovery is promising, Prof. Dr. Santi emphasizes that it's a preliminary study based on aerial images. Further archaeological investigations are necessary to confirm the existence and details of this ancient community.
However, this initial study provides a valuable foundation for future research and aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich history of Nakhon Ratchasima among its residents.
Examples of ancient communities with boundaries
: An aerial photograph taken in 1954
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