First Direct Dating for the Construction and Modification of the Baphuon Temple Mountain in Angkor, Cambodia

A groundbreaking study provides the first direct evidence for the construction and modification of the Baphuon temple in Angkor, Cambodia, challenging long-held assumptions about its chronology. Using advanced AMS radiocarbon dating on iron crampons integrated into the structure, researchers determined that both the temple's construction under Suryavarman I (1010-1050 AD) and its later modification into a gigantic Reclining Buddha occurred significantly earlier than previously believed. This revision predates the Theravada Buddhist transformation by a century, linking it to Ayutthayan occupation during a period of climatic instability rather than Angkor's decline in the 16th century. The study also introduces a novel method for dating iron with low carbon content, offering potential to reshape chronologies related to ferrous metallurgy and architectural histories worldwide.

Leroy, S., Hendrickson, M., Delqué-Kolic, E., Vega, E., & Dillmann, P. (2015). First Direct Dating for the Construction and Modification of the Baphuon Temple Mountain in Angkor, Cambodia. Plos One, 10(11), e0141052. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141052