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Sungai Batu

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Sungai Batu is an archaeological site in the Kedah state of Malaysia.

Ruins at the site of Sungai Batu

Site description

Archaeologists have found remains possibly belonging to the Kedah Kingdom. Among these ruins are the remains of stone buildings and what may be a boat. Remains from the smelting of iron, including a large clay furnace, have also been found. The site covers approximately 1.5 square miles.[1]

Arthur Demarest of the Vaderbilt Institute of Mesoamerica commented that the city most likely gained power because "any civilization that has iron will win the war because they have efficient tools".[2][3]

A metal ingot found at the site of Sungai Batu
A Tuyere found at Sungai Batu

Tourism

The discovery of Sungai Batu has caused a significant reaction from the Malaysian public and government. Kedah Tourism and Heritage committee chairman Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said that the discovery of this site would cause the Kedah province to "become a magnet for the international tourism sector". The site also gained interest from the archaeological community.

References

  1. ^ "World archaeological experts fascinated by Sungai Batu ancient site". Malay Mail. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. ^ Zul, S. "Malaysia's Sungai Batu Among Oldest Southeast Asian Civilizations: Archaeologists". Benar News. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  3. ^ "World archaeological experts fascinated by Sungai Batu ancient site". Malay Mail. Retrieved 15 June 2020.