Ard Bury Rock Shelter
Ard Bury
Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)·Chalcolithic·🇹🇭 Buriram Province, Thailand
About
About Ard Bury Rock Shelter
Ard Bury Rock Shelter in Buriram Province, Thailand is a Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE) rock art attributed to Chalcolithic culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and coring, it presents a monumental core with hydraulic works. Construction employs ashlar with clamp and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Chalcolithic rock-art with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Cause of abandonment and collapse
Theories
- 01Astronomical observatory and calendar
- 02Defensive refuge and tribal capital
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. 4390 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Defensive and administrative
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 4390 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 3590 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 603 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
1961
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
14.1513° N · 103.0532° E · 2784 m · 4 mapped features
Temple Platform
stelaAncillary field system associated with main monument
14.1524° N · 103.0503° EAltar
rampartOutlier feature with geoglyph
14.1519° N · 103.0543° ETemple Platform 3
hydraulicHydraulic feature — reservoir
14.1497° N · 103.0546° ETemple Platform 4
platformBurial zone — shaft tombs
14.1521° N · 103.0524° E