ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AT BAN PRASAT ҳպҹҷ
Archaeological site at Ban Prasat is located at ban Prasat Tai, Mu 7, Tambon Than Prasat, Amphoe Non Sang,
45 kms. Far from Nakhon Ratchasima on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Phimai route with a 2 km. left turn. There are 2
excavating sites, each with 3 pits, with the following discoveries: At the depth of 3.50-4.50 meters, lie human
skeletons and various kinds of artifact including an ancient weapon shaped like a discus made of white marble
-like stone, huge animal bones, ornaments made of animal bones and shells, and an ancient axe-like weapon.
The discoveries in this layer are beleived to be of pre-historic period, about 3,000 years ago. At the depth of
2.30-3.0 meters, ancient bronze weapons such as a sharp lance-like weapon, stone beads of many strange
colors, red and black painted pottery with incised decoration, as well as golden wrist and ankle bracelets
believed to be of Dvaravati period (1,600-,800) years ago) have been unearthed. At the dapth of 1.50-2.0 meters,
the discoveries include a kiln and color glazed pottery of mixed Khmer and modern styles, containers similar to
those of modern time, as well as swords and weapons like those of contemporary period. They can be dated
back to at least 600 years ago up to now. According to an exploration by the Division of Archaeology back in
1977, Ban Prasat is an enclose site of an irregular shape with surrounding moat and mound measuring 700 x
450 meters. The area slopes southwards with its highest point rising some 4 meters from the surrounding rice
fields. The site is believed to be an agricultural community of pre-historic period in the southern Northeast with
its own typical civilization differing from that of Ban Chiang, Changwat Udon thani, which dated back some 500-
1,000 years younger.
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