S43-6

The Development of Suphanburi: New Perspective From an Archaeological Perspective

Department of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, Thailand

Suphanburi is an ancient city located on the Tha-chin River in central Thailand. It is of considerable interest to Thai historians as a mysterious city that played a significant role in early Ayutthaya history. Previous studies have generally used historical records, especially the chronicles of Ayutthaya, to interpret the development of Suphanburi. However, there has been very limited archaeological investigation that has produced evidence to support the historical records. This research focuses on the development of Suphanburi during the 14th to 18th centuries CE, based on data collected from the archaeological reports and surveys of 59 archaeological sites in Suphanburi ancient city. Three key points can be drawn from the information: 1. The 59 studied sites can be grouped into five types of site function, as mold/wall, Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, pottery kiln and habitation area. The majority of excavated/reported sites are Buddhist temples covering a large area, some with decoration similar to the royal temples in Ayutthaya. All 10 pottery kiln are located on the Tha-chin River bank, especially in the north of the city. 2. Chronological sequencing suggests four main periods: pre-14th century, 14th century, 15th-16th century and 17th-18th century. By far the the majority of recorded sites were active in the 15th-16th centuries (72%), and the  17th-18th centuries (35%). Finally, Suphanburi’s development began before 14th century, and initially played a significant role in the pottery industry (aka Ban Bang Poon pottery). Large temples were built during the 15th -16th centuries when its rulers had a close relationship with Ayutthaya court. In the 17th and 18th Centuries Suphanburi fell into decline, but local communities still made made a living by restoring temples. After the 18th century, Suphanburi was abandoned due to war, but was revived again in 19th century.