Earthwatch Archaeologist Explores Cambodia
Cambodia harbors some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, including the incomparable monument of Angkor Wat, legacies of the Khmer civilization which dominated the region from 600 to 1450 a.d. But decades of political instability, inflamed by the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s, have left many of these sites abused and neglected. Responding to new era of peace in the region, Earthwatch-supported archaeologist Charles Higham was one of the first to explore Cambodia's historic riches.
Higham, a professor of anthropology at the University of Otago, New Zealand, and a Fellow of the British Academy, reported on visiting Cambodia in a recent Discovering Archaeology Online Weekly Newsletter. The article describes the evolution of the ancient Khmer civilization, the history of archaeology in the region, and the result of three visits to Cambodia with colleagues in 1999. The visits were an extension of Higham's excavations in neighboring Thailand, supported by Earthwatch's Origins of Angkor project.
"The highlight of our time in Cambodia was rescuing information at the Iron Age cemetery of Phum Snay, which has been 99 percent destroyed by looters," said Higham. "Phum Snay is a huge cemetery 70 kilometers to the west of Angkor Wat. We plan to work there for another few seasons, but first we need to get a permit from the authorities."
Other exciting sites visited by Higham include Western Baray, a giant reservoir built 1000 years ago, Bakheng, the sacred hill at the center of one of the early Khmer cities, and Hariharalaya, a complex of temples and dwellings built before Angkor. In January this year, Higham returned to Cambodia to undertake an exploratory excavation at the Baksei Chamkrong temple, only 400 meters from Angkor Wat, before continuing with investigations at Phum Snay.
"It is an agonizing choice," said Higham, who has 31 years of fieldwork experience in Thailand, where conditions are a known quantity. "Do we continue with our work in Thailand, or move to Cambodia?" Higham plans to return to Phum Snay to open more of the Iron Age cemetery there, and in due course may invite Earthwatch volunteers to join him. "But first we must work fully with the Cambodian authorities to ensure their agreement and good will."
For now Higham plans to continue his work in the Mun Valley of northeast Thailand, along with his colleague Rachanie Thosarat (Phimai Historic Park) and Earthwatch volunteers. Three previous seasons in the area have allowed Higham and Thosarat to trace historic changes between 600 b.c. and 1000 a.d., reflecting the region's transition from communities to states. These findings, particularly a series of rich burial sites at Noen U-Loke, give a clearer picture of the local origins of the Khmer civilization.
"The discoveries so far at Noen U-Loke have provided us with the largest and longest sequence of Iron Age graves in Southeast Asia," said Higham. "They date from the fifth century b.c. through to the fourth century a.d., which brings us to the very beginnings of civilization. We have found burials of extraordinary wealth, and can now begin to understand the technology, the economy, the social structure and the importance of iron in agriculture and warfare. It is such a vital site, that we are determined to return and find even more."
Higham has received a permit for three more seasons of excavations at Noen U-Loke and is eager to return with Earthwatch volunteers in January and February 2002. He notes that in addition to the thrill of excavating ancient human remains and grave goods at this important site, volunteers can easily visit Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, as part of their stay in Southeast Asia. Higham's first-hand account of Cambodia's historic treasures, despite decades of political unrest, suggests that there is still much to be discovered there.
For more info, email lbelton@earthwatch.org
Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization which supports scientific field research worldwide by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. The Institute's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.