Buried Bones and Drowned Valleys
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 12 - 18 May 2025
Selamat Pagi! This week, we dive—quite literally—into Southeast Asia’s submerged past with a remarkable archaeological discovery from the seabed of the Madura Strait, just off the coast of Java. At first glance, the study by Berghuis et al. reads like standard palaeoanthropology fare: Homo erectus fossils found, dated, discussed. But this one’s got depth—both geological and intellectual.
During marine sand extraction for land reclamation near Surabaya, over 6,000 vertebrate fossils were dredged up from what turned out to be a buried river valley—a Pleistocene lowstand of the Solo River, now submerged under the Java Sea. Among these were two Homo erectus skull fragments, marking the first hominin fossil discovery from the drowned plains of Sundaland.
For those less familiar: Sundaland was a vast continental shelf that, during glacial periods when sea levels dropped, connected today’s islands of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo to mainland Asia. It was a savannah-like environment, rich in biodiversity and, as this find affirms, a vital corridor for hominin movement and survival.
What makes this discovery so compelling isn’t just its novelty—it’s the context. Dated to roughly 140,000 years ago, the fossils align with the Solo River terrace sites like Ngandong and Trinil, previously considered the last redoubts of a long-isolated Homo erectus population. But this seabed site shifts the narrative. It suggests that Homo erectus wasn’t marooned on Java after all—they moved with the rivers, adapted to changing climates, and perhaps even interacted with other hominin species across the broader region.
These new findings—born from sediment dredging and anchored by meticulous OSL dating—don’t just confirm the presence of Homo erectus in Sundaland’s submerged valleys; they also reopen questions about their ecological strategies, social organization, and ultimate fate. The study hints at hunting practices, contact zones, and even the possibility of gene flow with other archaic humans. In short, it offers a rare and tantalizing glimpse into Southeast Asia’s deep human past, hidden beneath the waves for over 100,000 years.
And now, on to the news:
Contents
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Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Tragedy at Angkor Wat: Lightning Claims Lives
via Khmer Times, 17 May 2025: A devastating lightning strike at Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex on May 16, 2025, resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries during a spiritual ceremony. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM as locals gathered atop the temple amidst rainfall. Emergency services responded promptly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Preliminary reports suggest that inadequate lightning protection systems at the site may have contributed to the severity of the incident. The tragedy has prompted discussions on social media, with concerns about its potential impact on tourism and calls for improved safety measures at the historic site.
See also: The Nation[Paper] A late Middle Pleistocene lowstand valley of the Solo River on the Madura Strait seabed, geology and age of the first hominin locality of submerged Sundaland
via Quaternary International, 15 May 2025: A new study documents the first known hominin fossil site from the submerged Sunda Shelf, discovered during sand dredging operations in the Madura Strait off Java, Indonesia. Over 6,000 vertebrate fossils—including two Homo erectus skull fragments—were recovered from a buried valley of the Solo River, dating to around 163,000–129,000 years ago. The site records a fluvial-to-estuarine transition during sea level rise from MIS6 to MIS5e, suggesting that this lowland river corridor was a vital habitat and migration route for both animals and archaic humans. Its age corresponds with key fossil sites like Ngandong and Trinil, reinforcing the idea of a long-lasting, possibly isolated H. erectus population in Java. This research hints at the untapped potential of submerged Sundaland for understanding Southeast Asia’s deep human past.See also: Phys.org, Discover, Leiden University
Secrets of the HCC: How Singapore Preserves Its National Treasures
via Little Day Out, 15 May 2025: Hidden between Lakeside and Boon Lay, the Heritage Conservation Centre is Singapore’s secure, climate-controlled facility that stores and preserves nearly 400,000 artifacts for 11 national museums. Opened in 2000 and expanded in 2010, the HCC supports conservation through meticulous techniques—like Controlled Atmosphere Technology fumigation and digital microscopy—and catalogues everything with RFID tracking. From ancient Tang shipwreck ceramics to retro airline seats and ceremonial state furniture, the centre’s team of 70 professionals plays a critical role in safeguarding Singapore’s material heritage. Though usually off-limits, guided tours during Singapore HeritageFest reveal the painstaking work behind preserving national identity.Vuon Chuoi Site Moves Toward National Relic Status
via Nhân Dân, 13 May 2025: After decades of excavation and preservation efforts, the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site in Hanoi’s Hoai Duc district is poised to be designated a national relic. Containing four major cultural layers—Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun, and Dong Son—the site has yielded over 100 burial tombs and thousands of artifacts revealing prehistoric Vietnamese society. Despite years of urban encroachment, the site has been preserved through the efforts of archaeologists and local advocates. The proposed national status is hailed as a long-awaited “sweet fruit” for those who have fought to protect this 3,000-year-old cultural treasure.
See also: Nhan DanUnique Konbaung-Era Buddha Statue Found After Pagoda Collapse
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 12 May 2025: A rare Buddha statue holding a fan was discovered in TadaU Township’s Shwe Tha Lyaung pagoda after its collapse on 11 May. Unearthed alongside figures of Brahma, Sakka, and six worshipping monks, the statue likely dates to the early Konbaung period under King Alaungpaya, a time of internal strife and political consolidation. Historian Bo Shake (Yadanapura) suggests the statue may have been cast as a symbol of peace. Its reappearance on Vesak Day has been interpreted as a positive omen for Myanmar's future stability.
Featured Books and Recommendations
[Back to Contents]
Some of the links below are affiliate links which mean I may get a commission if you click on them and make a purchase.
Eugène Dubois and the Ape-Man from Java: The History of the First ‘Missing Link’ and Its Discoverer by L.T. Theunissen
Modern Quaternary Research in Southeast Asia, Volume 18: Quaternary Research In Indonesia by Susan G. Keates and Juliette M. Pasveer
The Five-Million-Year Odyssey: The Human Journey from Ape to Agriculture by Peter Bellwood
The Paleoanthropology of Eastern Asia by Christopher J. Bae
Asian Paleoanthropology: From Africa to China and Beyond by Christopher J. Norton and David R. Braun (eds.)
New Research
[Back to Contents]
If you have a newly-published paper that you wish to publicise, contact me and I’ll add it into the next newsletter.
[Paper] A late Middle Pleistocene lowstand valley of the Solo River on the Madura Strait seabed, geology and age of the first hominin locality of submerged Sundaland
via Quaternary International, 15 May 2025: A new study documents the first known hominin fossil site from the submerged Sunda Shelf, discovered during sand dredging operations in the Madura Strait off Java, Indonesia. Over 6,000 vertebrate fossils—including two Homo erectus skull fragments—were recovered from a buried valley of the Solo River, dating to around 163,000–129,000 years ago. The site records a fluvial-to-estuarine transition during sea level rise from MIS6 to MIS5e, suggesting that this lowland river corridor was a vital habitat and migration route for both animals and archaic humans. Its age corresponds with key fossil sites like Ngandong and Trinil, reinforcing the idea of a long-lasting, possibly isolated H. erectus population in Java. This research hints at the untapped potential of submerged Sundaland for understanding Southeast Asia’s deep human past.See also: Phys.org, Discover, Leiden University
[Paper] Genome diversity and signatures of natural selection in mainland Southeast Asia
via Nature, May 2025: A landmark study of 3,023 individuals from 30 mainland Southeast Asian populations has yielded the SEA3K genome dataset, revealing over 22 million unique small variants and 24,000 unique structural variants. Researchers identified 44 genomic regions under strong positive selection, affecting traits like height, pigmentation, immunity, and metabolism—indicating adaptation to the tropical environment. Notably, polygenic selection for shorter stature was detected, and the most divergent genomic region relates to skin barrier and hair morphology. The study also highlights archaic Denisovan introgression and structural variants with potential functional impacts, underlining the need for broader genomic representation in global datasets.
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Talk] Trans-Oceanic Connections Through The Historical Mosques of Maritime Southeast Asia
via Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 31 May 2025: In conjunction with the Oceans That Speak exhibition, Dr. Imran bin Tajudeen will deliver a talk exploring the trans-oceanic connections embodied in the architecture of historical mosques across maritime Southeast Asia. Focusing on port cities and key trade nodes, the lecture will examine how mosque forms and spatial concepts were shaped by cultural exchanges, renovations, and layered histories. From abstract spatial layouts to ornate carvings and embedded plates, these mosques reflect diverse influences. Dr. Imran is a renowned scholar on Southeast Asia’s built heritage and vernacular urbanism, currently working on a monograph on mosque architecture in the region.[Talk] Archaeoastronomy in Thailand and Indonesia
On 12 June 2025, Archaeoastronomer Visanu Euarchukiati will present new research into how ancient monuments in Thailand and Indonesia were aligned with celestial phenomena. Conducted by the History and Heritage of Astronomy Group at Thailand’s NARIT and in collaboration with Indonesia’s BRIN, the work explores sites like Phanom Rung, Phimai, and Borobudur, revealing that many temple orientations previously dismissed as arbitrary may, in fact, reflect sophisticated astronomical planning. The lecture will detail the group's methods and findings, which have gained international academic recognition and local interest.
Upcoming Events
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Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
19-20 May 2025: International Conference on Kedah Tua (Penang, Malaysia)
23 May 2025: Ghosts of the Future: National Museums and the Politics of Historical Time in Cambodge and Siam (Online)
31 May 2025: Trans-Oceanic Connections Through The Historical Mosques of Maritime Southeast Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
12 June 2025: Archaeoastronomy in Thailand and Indonesia (Bangkok, Thailand)
22-28 June 2025: World Archaeological Congress (WAC-10) (Darwin, Australia)
27-28 June 2025: Southeast Asia Library Group Annual Meeting (Passau, Germany)
17-19 July 2025: Decolonization of Southeast Asian Studies Workshop (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
8-13 September 2025: The Fourth Conference of European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (Lisbon, Portugal)
9-12 October 2025: 9th Symposium of the International Association for the Study of Silk Road Textiles (Berkeley CA, USA)
27 October - 6 November 2025: Asian Prehistory Today (UISPP) (Salatiga, Sangiran, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
14-15 November 2025: Bengal Symposium: Archaeology, History, and Heritage Beyond Colonial Divides (Online)
2-11 February 2026: Angkor and the Rise of Southeast Asian Civilization (Cambodia)
2026: The Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]
[Paper] Genome diversity and signatures of natural selection in mainland Southeast Asia
via Nature, May 2025: A landmark study of 3,023 individuals from 30 mainland Southeast Asian populations has yielded the SEA3K genome dataset, revealing over 22 million unique small variants and 24,000 unique structural variants. Researchers identified 44 genomic regions under strong positive selection, affecting traits like height, pigmentation, immunity, and metabolism—indicating adaptation to the tropical environment. Notably, polygenic selection for shorter stature was detected, and the most divergent genomic region relates to skin barrier and hair morphology. The study also highlights archaic Denisovan introgression and structural variants with potential functional impacts, underlining the need for broader genomic representation in global datasets.[Talk] Trans-Oceanic Connections Through The Historical Mosques of Maritime Southeast Asia
via Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 31 May 2025: In conjunction with the Oceans That Speak exhibition, Dr. Imran bin Tajudeen will deliver a talk exploring the trans-oceanic connections embodied in the architecture of historical mosques across maritime Southeast Asia. Focusing on port cities and key trade nodes, the lecture will examine how mosque forms and spatial concepts were shaped by cultural exchanges, renovations, and layered histories. From abstract spatial layouts to ornate carvings and embedded plates, these mosques reflect diverse influences. Dr. Imran is a renowned scholar on Southeast Asia’s built heritage and vernacular urbanism, currently working on a monograph on mosque architecture in the region.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Tragedy at Angkor Wat: Lightning Claims Lives
via Khmer Times, 17 May 2025: A devastating lightning strike at Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex on May 16, 2025, resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries during a spiritual ceremony. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM as locals gathered atop the temple amidst rainfall. Emergency services responded promptly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Preliminary reports suggest that inadequate lightning protection systems at the site may have contributed to the severity of the incident. The tragedy has prompted discussions on social media, with concerns about its potential impact on tourism and calls for improved safety measures at the historic site.
See also: The NationPhnom Bakheng Restoration Nears Final Phase
via Khmer Times, 16 May 2025: The extensive restoration of Phnom Bakheng Temple is progressing well, with completion targeted for the end of 2025. Spearheaded by the APSARA National Authority and the World Monuments Fund, efforts are concentrated on the southwest and western sides of the temple. Restoration began in 2009, with a focused project on the southwest side launched in 2019. So far, four of the six levels have been restored, and 85% of the current phase is done. Built during the reign of Yasovarman I in the 10th century, Phnom Bakheng is one of Angkor's earliest temples and remains a top tourist attraction for its panoramic sunset views.11th-Century Sanskrit Inscription Found by Cambodian Farmer
via Khmer Times, 15 May 2025: A rare 11th-century stone inscription in Sanskrit and ancient Khmer has been discovered by farmer Sim Heng while ploughing land near O’Kroch Temple in Preah Vihear province. The sandstone artifact, linked to the reign of King Suryavarman I (1001–1050 AD), was voluntarily handed over to the National Authority for Preah Vihear and will be preserved at the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Eco-Global Museum. Measuring 42 x 25 x 5 cm, the inscription offers valuable material for scholars studying the Angkorian period and reflects growing community participation in heritage preservation.ANA Completes Key Conservation Work at Angkor’s Neak Poan
via Khmer Times, 14 May 2025: The Apsara National Authority has completed the restoration of the western drainage system at Neak Poan Temple, part of Angkor’s famed hydraulic complex. Managed by the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, the work addressed damage from erosion and vegetation overgrowth, following earlier repairs to the eastern and northern structures. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Neak Poan is a symbolic temple dedicated to healing and Mahayana Buddhism. The improved drainage system now bolsters the site’s structural stability and enhances its visual appeal for visitors.
See also: Khmer Times, XinhuaAngkor Park Welcomes More Chinese Tourists in 2025 Revival
via Xinhua, 13 May 2025: Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 36,368 Chinese tourists between January and April 2025—a 29% increase from the same period last year, according to Angkor Enterprise. China is now the fourth-largest source of international visitors to the site, trailing only the U.S., France, and the U.K. The rise coincides with the Cambodia-China Tourism Year and is fueled by enhanced cooperation, direct flights, and group tours. Overall, Angkor drew nearly 475,000 foreign tourists in the first four months of 2025, generating over $22 million in ticket sales.Conservation Work at Koh Ker Includes Risky Tree Removal
via Khmer Times, 12 May 2025: The National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) has begun removing decaying and leaning trees that pose structural risks to the Koh Ker temple complex in Preah Vihear province. Seven high-risk trees have already been taken down using careful conservation methods, with more scheduled for removal. Authorities assure that the process does not disrupt tourism. This effort follows Koh Ker’s 2023 UNESCO World Heritage inscription and forms part of a wider preservation strategy that includes ecological protection, structural repair, and native tree replanting away from temple foundations.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
[Talk] Archaeoastronomy in Thailand and Indonesia
On 12 June 2025, Archaeoastronomer Visanu Euarchukiati will present new research into how ancient monuments in Thailand and Indonesia were aligned with celestial phenomena. Conducted by the History and Heritage of Astronomy Group at Thailand’s NARIT and in collaboration with Indonesia’s BRIN, the work explores sites like Phanom Rung, Phimai, and Borobudur, revealing that many temple orientations previously dismissed as arbitrary may, in fact, reflect sophisticated astronomical planning. The lecture will detail the group's methods and findings, which have gained international academic recognition and local interest.[Paper] A late Middle Pleistocene lowstand valley of the Solo River on the Madura Strait seabed, geology and age of the first hominin locality of submerged Sundaland
via Quaternary International, 15 May 2025: A new study documents the first known hominin fossil site from the submerged Sunda Shelf, discovered during sand dredging operations in the Madura Strait off Java, Indonesia. Over 6,000 vertebrate fossils—including two Homo erectus skull fragments—were recovered from a buried valley of the Solo River, dating to around 163,000–129,000 years ago. The site records a fluvial-to-estuarine transition during sea level rise from MIS6 to MIS5e, suggesting that this lowland river corridor was a vital habitat and migration route for both animals and archaic humans. Its age corresponds with key fossil sites like Ngandong and Trinil, reinforcing the idea of a long-lasting, possibly isolated H. erectus population in Java. This research hints at the untapped potential of submerged Sundaland for understanding Southeast Asia’s deep human past.See also: Phys.org, Discover, Leiden University
Borobudur as Beacon of Peace: Minister Champions Religious Harmony
via VOI, 13 May 2025: During the 2025 Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon underscored the temple’s potential as a global symbol of religious tolerance and spiritual unity. Calling it a "living monument," Zon stressed that Borobudur should inspire peace and introspection beyond religious boundaries, reflecting universal humanitarian values. He envisions the site as an open spiritual center for all people, not just Buddhists.
See also: VOICulture Minister Highlights Borobudur’s Universal Peace Values
via ANTARA, 13 May 2025: Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that Borobudur Temple should serve not only as a sacred Buddhist site but also as a universal symbol of peace and religious harmony. Speaking during the 2025 Vesak celebrations, he described Borobudur as a "living monument" whose values transcend faith and offer a space for reflection and unity amidst global conflict. The minister affirmed his commitment to promoting the temple as a source of inspiration for all.Culture Minister Eyes Global Role for Borobudur Temple
via VOI, 12 May 2025: Ahead of the Vesak 2569 BE celebration, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture Fadli Zon inspected Borobudur Temple to ensure readiness for the influx of tens of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. He emphasised the temple’s potential as a global spiritual and cultural hub and reiterated the government's commitment to sustainable heritage preservation under the Cultural Advancement Law. The celebration, organised in hybrid format, includes both in-person rituals and online broadcasts. Plans are also underway to enhance the Borobudur Museum by animating temple relief stories, including ancient musical instruments, to enrich the visitor experience.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Dragons Take Flight at Perak Museum’s New Exhibition
via Free Malaysia Today, 16 May 2025: A new exhibition at the Perak Museum in Taiping delves into the shared dragon mythology of Southeast Asia, challenging assumptions that dragons belong solely to Chinese or Western traditions. World of the Dragon: Between West and East, running until January 2026, showcases naga motifs in weapons, pottery, textiles, and royal regalia from across the region. Perak Museum director Nasrulamiazam Nasir explains that these snake-like dragons, linked to rivers and kingship, once held deep cultural significance among Malays and other ethnic groups. The exhibition aims not just to preserve heritage, but to foster unity by highlighting Southeast Asia’s interwoven mythologies.[Talk] Trans-Oceanic Connections Through The Historical Mosques of Maritime Southeast Asia
via Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 31 May 2025: In conjunction with the Oceans That Speak exhibition, Dr. Imran bin Tajudeen will deliver a talk exploring the trans-oceanic connections embodied in the architecture of historical mosques across maritime Southeast Asia. Focusing on port cities and key trade nodes, the lecture will examine how mosque forms and spatial concepts were shaped by cultural exchanges, renovations, and layered histories. From abstract spatial layouts to ornate carvings and embedded plates, these mosques reflect diverse influences. Dr. Imran is a renowned scholar on Southeast Asia’s built heritage and vernacular urbanism, currently working on a monograph on mosque architecture in the region.
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Unique Konbaung-Era Buddha Statue Found After Pagoda Collapse
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 12 May 2025: A rare Buddha statue holding a fan was discovered in TadaU Township’s Shwe Tha Lyaung pagoda after its collapse on 11 May. Unearthed alongside figures of Brahma, Sakka, and six worshipping monks, the statue likely dates to the early Konbaung period under King Alaungpaya, a time of internal strife and political consolidation. Historian Bo Shake (Yadanapura) suggests the statue may have been cast as a symbol of peace. Its reappearance on Vesak Day has been interpreted as a positive omen for Myanmar's future stability.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
National Museum Iloilo Celebrates Heritage Month with Gold Mask Workshop
via PNA, 14 May 2025: The National Museum of the Philippines in Iloilo is celebrating National Heritage Month with a vibrant programme of lectures, workshops, and community outreach. Highlighting the festivities is a hands-on workshop on May 17, recreating the 14th–15th century Oton Gold Death Mask—a rare funerary artifact and National Cultural Treasure—using the repoussé metalworking technique. The programme includes lectures on Panay’s mythical lore, a heritage costume play on May 24, and mobile museum visits to Guimbal and Guimaras to expand access to the national collections. This year's events embrace the theme “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures,” and aim to connect communities with their local heritage through creative engagement.‘Bukag’ Series Celebrates Boholano Basketry and Cultural Identity
via PIA, 14 May 2025: The National Museum of the Philippines in Bohol launched the "Bukag" series on May 8 to celebrate National Heritage Month 2025 by spotlighting the traditional basketry of Antequera. Titled “BUKAG: Exploring the Craft, Heritage and Sustainability of Boholano Basketry,” the program aims to promote indigenous craftsmanship, creative livelihoods, and cultural preservation in line with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. Featuring lectures from ethnologists, artists, and cultural advocates, the event highlighted baskets as cultural symbols and sustainable art forms.
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
Secrets of the HCC: How Singapore Preserves Its National Treasures
via Little Day Out, 15 May 2025: Hidden between Lakeside and Boon Lay, the Heritage Conservation Centre is Singapore’s secure, climate-controlled facility that stores and preserves nearly 400,000 artifacts for 11 national museums. Opened in 2000 and expanded in 2010, the HCC supports conservation through meticulous techniques—like Controlled Atmosphere Technology fumigation and digital microscopy—and catalogues everything with RFID tracking. From ancient Tang shipwreck ceramics to retro airline seats and ceremonial state furniture, the centre’s team of 70 professionals plays a critical role in safeguarding Singapore’s material heritage. Though usually off-limits, guided tours during Singapore HeritageFest reveal the painstaking work behind preserving national identity.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
[Talk] Archaeoastronomy in Thailand and Indonesia
On 12 June 2025, Archaeoastronomer Visanu Euarchukiati will present new research into how ancient monuments in Thailand and Indonesia were aligned with celestial phenomena. Conducted by the History and Heritage of Astronomy Group at Thailand’s NARIT and in collaboration with Indonesia’s BRIN, the work explores sites like Phanom Rung, Phimai, and Borobudur, revealing that many temple orientations previously dismissed as arbitrary may, in fact, reflect sophisticated astronomical planning. The lecture will detail the group's methods and findings, which have gained international academic recognition and local interest.King Rama V’s Era Revived in Rare Photo Exhibition
via Nation Thailand, 16 May 2025: A new exhibition at Bangkok's National Museum spotlights rare photographs from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), digitised from fragile 19th-century glass plate negatives. Curated by Thanpuying Sirikitiya Jensen, the third edition of Glass Plate Negatives: Circles of Centres features 84 powerful images selected from a vast archive recognised by UNESCO’s Memory of the World. The photographs capture royal journeys, statecraft, and Siam's transformation during a time of intense colonial pressure. This exhibition not only preserves early photographic techniques but also humanises historical memory, bridging art, history, and national identity.Bangkok’s Temple Giants Tell an Epic Tale of Friendship and Betrayal
via The Nation, 10 May 2025: The stone giants guarding Bangkok’s Wat Pho and Wat Arun are rooted in a legendary tale of friendship, betrayal, and divine punishment. According to Thai folklore, two giant guardians once lived in harmony across the Chao Phraya River—until a debt dispute erupted into a destructive battle that flattened the riverside, now called “Tha Tian.” The god Shiva turned them into stone, and their statues still stand watch at the temples. These giants also embody characters from the Ramakien, Thailand’s epic mythos. More than temple decor, they are cultural storytellers preserving Bangkok’s mythical past.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Ho Dynasty Citadel Evolves from Heritage to Tourism Hub
via VietnamPlus, 16 May 2025: Nearly 15 years after its UNESCO listing, Vietnam’s Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hóa is flourishing as a heritage tourism destination. Ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed key structures, including the Royal Road and imperial halls, while digital mapping and community education programs support conservation. The site now features outdoor exhibits, local crafts, and cultural experiences like folk games and traditional cuisine. With four thematic tourist routes and enhanced local engagement, the citadel has become a living heritage site that blends historical preservation with sustainable development.
See also: Vietnam PlusWell-Preserved Medieval Boats Shed Light on Vietnam’s Trade Past
via Vietnam.vn, 13 May 2025: Two exceptionally preserved 1,000-year-old boats were uncovered in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam, near the historic site of Luy Lâu. Discovered by a local resident and excavated in March–April 2025, the twin-hulled vessels—constructed from hollowed trunks and fortified with wooden planks and beams—reflect a uniquely Vietnamese boatbuilding tradition. Researchers believe the site may have functioned as a port or shipyard for trade vessels navigating inland waterways. Ongoing analysis of organic remains in the boats may reveal details about the goods they once carried, offering rare insight into Vietnam’s medieval trade networks.
See also: Tien PhongVuon Chuoi Site Moves Toward National Relic Status
via Nhân Dân, 13 May 2025: After decades of excavation and preservation efforts, the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site in Hanoi’s Hoai Duc district is poised to be designated a national relic. Containing four major cultural layers—Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun, and Dong Son—the site has yielded over 100 burial tombs and thousands of artifacts revealing prehistoric Vietnamese society. Despite years of urban encroachment, the site has been preserved through the efforts of archaeologists and local advocates. The proposed national status is hailed as a long-awaited “sweet fruit” for those who have fought to protect this 3,000-year-old cultural treasure.
See also: Nhan DanHo Dynasty Citadel Blends Conservation with Tourism Innovation
via Báo Công Thương, 13 May 2025: The Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa has emerged as a cultural tourism highlight, thanks to strategic conservation and promotion efforts since its 2011 UNESCO listing. Authorities have invested over VND 745 billion to preserve key structures and enhance visitor engagement through exhibitions, heritage education, and new tour routes featuring traditional villages, temples, and landscapes. Archaeological finds continue to deepen the site's historical narrative, while modern additions like electric shuttles and themed exhibits offer accessible, immersive experiences. The approach has been praised by UNESCO and warmly received by local communities and visitors alike.
See also: Báo Công Thương
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
800-Year-Old Shipwreck Reveals Treasures of the South China Sea
via CGTN, 14 May 2025: The Nanhai One, an 800-year-old Song Dynasty merchant ship discovered in the South China Sea, stands as a keystone of China’s underwater archaeology and Maritime Silk Road history. Now housed in the custom-built Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, the fully intact shipwreck has yielded over 180,000 artifacts—mainly porcelain—some with clear Middle Eastern stylistic influences. Raised in 2007, the ship provides rare insight into transoceanic trade and cultural exchange during the Song era. As a hub for research and education, the Nanhai One anchors China’s maritime heritage and fuels its underwater archaeology ambitions.