APSARA National Authority, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii and Flinders University, uses a magnetometer to scan for the ancient iron kiln at the Angkor site.

According to the APSARA National Authority, Kok Ach Dek or Kork Deum Tnaot near Phnom Bok in Sre Chang-o village, Run Ta Ek commune, Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province was surveyed by the authority’s technical team in collaboration with Flinders University, Australia before excavation.

Mr. Im Sokrithy, Archaeologist and Director of the Department of Research, Training, and Communication, said the Kork Ach Dek was the site of ancient iron kilns located in Angkor Park, a newly discovered site. There is some evidence, such as scrap metal, stove fragments on the station itself, and the tradition of the villagers to use the iron ore as a cure for illness, leading to the conclusion that this site is an ancient iron kiln that is important in the capital of Angkor in ancient Khmer times.

He added that in the past, researchers have found ancient iron kilns far from the eastern capital of Angkor, such as ancient iron kilns in Phnom Dek (Preah Vihear province), ancient iron kilns in Khvav area in Chi Kreng district, Koul village of Angkor Chum district, Siem Reap province. But now we have studied and found ancient iron kilns in Angkor Park.

The ancient iron industry was important in supplying the demand for metals for home appliances, agricultural equipment, weapons, and other supplies for the 800,000 people of ancient Angkor, he said.

In Angkor Park, three iron kilns have been found: the first iron kiln is near the Kravan school north of Phnom Bok in Romchek village, the second iron kiln is on the land of Kok Ach Dek near Phnom Bok in Sre Chang-hot village and the third one is at Trapeang Russey in the south of Phnom Bok along National Road 67.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse