Dating the megalithic culture of laos: Radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence and U/Pb zircon results

Abstract

The megalithic jar sites of Laos (often referred to as the Plain of Jars) remain one of Southeast Asia s most mysterious and least understood archaeological cultures. The sites, recently inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage, host hollowed stone jars, up to three metres in height, which appear scattered across the landscape, alone or clustered in groups of up to more than 400. Until now, it has not been possible to estimate when the jars were first placed on the landscape or from where the stone was sourced. Geochronological analysis using the age of detrital zircons demonstrates a likely quarry source for one of the largest megalithic jar sites. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating s..