Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster
Neolithic to Iron Age (6000 BCE–500 CE)·Neolithic·🇱🇦 Xieng Khouang, Plain of Jars, Laos
About
About Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster
Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster in Xieng Khouang, Plain of Jars, Laos is a Neolithic to Iron Age (6000 BCE–500 CE) ancient village attributed to Neolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal site extent 150 × 90 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 19.4300N 103.1530E controls access to Xieng Khouang resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey ancient village for Xieng Khouang, Plain of Jars, illustrating Neolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 4000 BCE–500 CE
- Period
- Neolithic to Iron Age (6000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Neolithic
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and residential complex
- Rediscovered
- 1983 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 4000 BCE–500 CE
Initial construction of Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster main structure
c. 1923
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1983–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
19.4300° N · 103.1530° E · 241 m · 3 mapped features
- Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster — Main StructurestructurePrincipal ancient village — Site extent 150 × 90 m with diagnostic masonry/panel19.4308° N · 103.1539° E
- Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature19.4290° N · 103.1523° E
- Plain of Jars Site 1 Central Jar Cluster — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial19.4315° N · 103.1542° E
Gallery