If I told you that there is a historical site in Southeast Asia that dates to the time of Ancient Greece, but we know nothing concrete about, what would your reaction be? If you’re like me, you’ll want to at the very least know more about it and at the most visit.
That place exists and it’s known as the Plain of Jars near Phonsovan in Laos.
About the Jars
The Plain of Jars covers approximately 100 square kilometers, with a number of different sites or clusters of jars. The clusters range from one to more than 400 jars.
The jars themselves are not the kind of jars you find in your pantry, filled with jams and preserves. These jars can be as big as five feet tall and are made from a variety of different stones. Today, they are covered in lichen and some are partially sunk into the ground. Generally, the jars are undecorated; some have lids while many don’t.
There are some quarry sites nearby, but not all of the different types of stones are accounted for in all the quarries.
Today, the ground is also dotted with craters that were formed by bombs dropped during the Secret War. That Secret War that the US waged has a continuing legacy in this area, with a lot of unexploded ordinance (UXO) still affecting people’s lives.
Theories About the Jars
The most common theory about what the jars were used for is for burial and funeral rights. Some excavations have found the cremated remains of people inside of the jars. However, they don’t always date to the same time as the jar and there are graves that are in the same vicinity of the jars.
It’s also theorized that the jars were used for some kind of storage, for either water, harvests or alcohol. The area lies along a historical trading route, so it is possible that the area became a stopping point to refuel.
My favorite was the local legend and myth surrounding the jars. In the ancient times, there were giants who were in charge of forming the earth and landscape. The jars were their drinking cups that they left behind after they finished.
Visiting the Plain of Jars
The closest city to the Plain of Jars in Phonsovan. There is also a very good museum about the Secret War and UXO there. It’s about four hours from Vang Vieng and maybe eight hours from Luang Prabang by bus. It’s very easy to find a guide and tour for the day.
Have you been to the Plain of Jars? What is your theory about what the jars were used for?