Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇰🇭 Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, Cambodia
About
About Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair
Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair in Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, Cambodia is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 13.7830N 104.5370E controls access to Preah Vihear resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1993 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair main structure
c. 1933
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1993–2008
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
13.7830° N · 104.5370° E · 311 m · 3 mapped features
Koh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
13.7838° N · 104.5379° EKoh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
13.7820° N · 104.5363° EKoh Ker Pyramid Prang East Stair — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
13.7845° N · 104.5382° E