Memot Centre of Archaeology

The Memot Centre of Archaeology opened in 1999 to strengthen the study of archaeology in Cambodia. The Memotian culture flourished some 2,500 years ago but was barely studied until the 1960s, and archaeologists still know little about the country before the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian kingdoms of Chenla and Funan. Memot represents the best effort to crack open that ancient history; the museum and excavation site was founded with help from German archaeologists.

The digs vary, but they include prehistoric circular sites rich in Iron Age tools and ceremonial pieces, and newer excavations have uncovered ancient cemeteries that shed light on the religious world of Cambodia long before Buddhism. Most artefacts are stone, iron and bronze, though golden ornaments are occasionally unearthed. A persistent challenge has been convincing local people that the sites matter to the whole community, as too often a site is found by a farming family and heavily looted before experts can begin.

The centre’s primary goal is to educate that local community while training the next generation of archaeologists, making a visit a way to support Cambodian efforts to preserve their heritage.