| Abstract: |
Excavation at Khao Sam Kaeo revealed a large Late Prehistoric settlement spatially divided by both naturally topographic features and manmade earthen walls that are hypothesised to have been built in two main phases. These boundaries separate areas characterised by different structures and assemblages. The morphology and size of the settlement result from a dynamic interaction between the landscape in an erosive environment and diverse populations. The settlement experienced maintenance and modification interpreted as materialising a political centralisation and authority, inhabitants' sense of community as well as translating practical considerations (flood, erosion and agriculture). Located 5 km from the current coastline, the site extends over four hills
it is limited on its western side by the Tha Taphao river, which connects it with the Gulf of Thailand and the China Sea in the east and with resource-rich forests in the north. 135 test pits opened (2x2 m) over an area of 55 hectares revealed an occupation stricto sensu over 35 hectares delimited by walls and palisades ramparts
however, erosion of the western part of the site by the river makes it difficult to estimate the size of the area it occupied. The brodering walls include simple and twin parallel earth walls that were probably surmounted by wooden palisades that did not survive. A ditch usually ran beside the wall. In the steepest parts of the hills, indirect evidence such as material accumulation suggests that wooden palisades were placed in cuts in bedrock. These ramparts were probably built during two main phases, the second apparently corresponding to an extension of the site towards the north. The enclosing system finds no comparison amongst contemporaneous Southeast Asian sites, which, except in the case of the Co Loa citadel in Northwen Vietnam, consists of a moat surrounding the site. At Khao Sam Kaeo, in contrast, valleys were crossed by earth walls. Their structure varied according to their role. The wall in Valley 1 aimed at maintaining a flooded area that probably corresponded to a mooring place for boats sailing up the river
the wall prevented its silting-in. On the other hand, the succession of earth walls blocking Valley 3 aimed at containing the water streaming up from the hills towards the west
this system kept the western part of the valley dry and retained water in its east, upstream zone, which may have been dedicated to agriculture. The morphology of the settlement of Khao Sam Kaeo resulted from both the natural landscape and fully human-constructed boundaries. The encircling walls do not trace a distinguishable geometric or other cultural pattern but follow the natural topography, even enhancing it.
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