A MINOR EXCAVATION AT CIRCULAR EARTHWORK SITE THUAN PHU 2 (DONG PHU DISTRICT, BINH PHUOC)

Abstract

The circular earthwork site Thuan Phu 2 is surrounded by 2m high embankment and deep moat and has two symmetrical entrances along the northwest-southeast axis. This "round village" located on the red soil plateau of Binh Phuoc has more than 300 meters in diameter,. Eleven exploration pits dug at different locations demonstrated a cultural layer about 0.5 - 1.00m in depth indicating the habitation area. Nothing was reported from the central depression. Complex of relics of Thuan Phu 2, such as stone tools and pottery, share the same tradition with prehistory sites of Dong Nai and Vam Co area. The ancient inhabitants here have been engaged in agricultural production, based on japonica rice samples corresponding with a date of 3.632 – 3.470 calBP.