Wiang Kum Kam

Welcome, archaeologists and historians, to the sprawling, melancholic ruins of Wiang Kum Kam. You are standing upon the very first, yet ultimately doomed, capital of the Lanna Kingdom. …

Our first major point of architectural analysis is Wat Chedi Liam, originally known as Wat Ku Kham, or the Temple of the Golden Stupa. Unlike the majority of Wiang Kum Kam, which was entirely submerged, the upper echelons of this…

We now approach Wat Chang Kham, historically referred to in ancient chronicles as Wat Kan Thom. This site holds the distinction of being the very first temple commissioned by King Mangrai upon the founding of Wiang Kum Kam. …

Moving onward, we arrive at the evocative ruins of Wat That Khao. The actual historical name of this temple has been lost to time; its current moniker translates simply to 'Temple of the White Stupa,' referring to remnants of…

Further along our route lies site number thirty-two, known as Wat Sao Hin, or the Stone Pillar Monastery. This site gained significant prominence later in the city's history, around fourteen thirty during the reign of King Sam…

To fully comprehend the destruction of Wiang Kum Kam, one must turn away from the brick ruins and analyze the landscape itself. As you look toward the northern perimeter of the ancient city, you will find no rushing water, but…

As we examine the unnamed ruins designated as Site 34, it is necessary to employ a critical, analytical eye toward the processes of modern archaeology itself. Excavated heavily around two thousand and two, the physical state of…

As the afternoon shadows lengthen across the excavated pits of Wiang Kum Kam, our analytical journey through the lost capital comes to a close. We have walked the sunken floors of King Mangrai’s grand, failed ambition. …