The Cát Tiên Archaeological Complex and Interregional Economic Networks Between the Lower Mekong Basin and Southern Central Vietnam (8th-11th Centuries CE)

NGUYỄN Thị Tú Anh*1 and Mai Sĩ Tất Thắng2

The Cát Tiên archaeological complex, located in the upper Đồng Nai River basin of Lâm Đồng Province, southern Vietnam, was first identified in 1984 and systematically investigated through surveys and excavations until 2013. This paper interprets Cát Tiên as a key artistic, economic, and infrastructural node within interregional exchange networks linking the Lower Mekong Basin and the southern central coast of Vietnam during the 8th to 11th centuries CE. Archaeological evidence documents at least nine major architectural sites and clusters composed of brick and stone religious structures constructed on natural riverine elevations. The discovery of four ancient brick kilns demonstrates localised production of construction materials and a high level of technological expertise, indicating organized labour and effective resource management. The material assemblage from Cát Tiên is notably diverse, including stone sculptures such as yoni-liṅga altars and images of Gaṇeśa and Durgā, inscribed gold leaves, bronze ritual objects, kośa-liṅga, ritual ceramics, and ornaments. Stylistic and technological analyses reveal strong affinities with Khmer traditions of the Lower Mekong Basin and, to a lesser degree, early Cham centres along the southern central coast, while also demonstrating processes of local adaptation. The presence of high-value materials points to elite patronage and participation in long-distance exchange networks. Strategically positioned along the upper Đồng Nai River, Cát Tiên functioned as a crucial inland intermediary facilitating the circulation of goods, artistic models, and symbolic commodities between highland and lowland regions in early medieval mainland Southeast Asia.