Quay Qala Ben Quarry
Classical Antiquity (800 BCE–500 CE)·Classical·🇨🇦 British Columbia, Canada
About
About Quay Qala Ben Quarry
Quay Qala Ben Quarry in British Columbia, Canada is a Classical Antiquity (800 BCE–500 CE) quarry attributed to Classical culture. Systematically investigated through aerial LiDAR and test trenching, it presents a monumental core with hydraulic works. Construction employs dry-stone masonry and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Classical quarry with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Cause of abandonment and collapse
- 02Ritual use and symbolic landscape
Theories
- 01Astronomical observatory and calendar
- 02Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
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. 118 BCE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (800 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 118 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 364 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 474 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1989
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
50.3293° N · 119.9296° W · 758 m · 4 mapped features
Stela Alignment
galleryBurial zone — tumuli
50.3312° N · 119.9300° WAltar
rampartOutlier feature with cup marks
50.3312° N · 119.9286° WGateway
petroglyphAncillary settlement associated with main monument
50.3293° N · 119.9314° WTemple Platform
entranceAncillary necropolis associated with main monument
50.3279° N · 119.9292° W