Reservoir of Basin Beck
Hellenistic (323–31 BCE)·Hellenistic·🇱🇰 North Central Province, Sri Lanka
About
About Reservoir of Basin Beck
Reservoir of Basin Beck in North Central Province, Sri Lanka is a Hellenistic (323–31 BCE) hydraulic attributed to Hellenistic culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and coring, it presents a monumental core with hydraulic works. Construction employs dry-stone masonry and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Hellenistic hydraulic with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Astronomical alignment and orientation
- 02Population scale vs catchment
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape and ancestral veneration
- 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. 123 BCE
- Period
- Hellenistic (323–31 BCE)
- Culture
- Hellenistic
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 123 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 394 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 479 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1900
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
7.5864° N · 80.6825° E · 6 m · 3 mapped features
Ancillary Complex
granaryHydraulic feature — well
7.5844° N · 80.6837° ENecropolis Extension
gatewayHydraulic feature — reservoir
7.5892° N · 80.6828° EPrincipal Monument
structureHydraulic feature — canal
7.5841° N · 80.6834° E