Thạch Lạc and the Neolithic transition in north-central Vietnam, 3000–2000 BCE

Abstract

The initial arrival date of Neolithic populations into Mainland Southeast Asia from the region of modern southern China remains ambiguous. In the existing literature, this arrival is often considered to have occurred between 2500 and 2000 BCE, but this is far from certain. Here we report on our archaeological excavations at Thạch Lạc, Hà Tĩnh Province, north-central Vietnam. The site produced evidence of three cultural phases of pottery-using occupation, separated by brief hiatuses. These three phases are termed successively the Quỳnh Văn, Thạch Lạc, and finally the Bàu Tró, each defined by a distinct pottery tradition. Our radiocarbon chronology, based on a large sample of 26 charcoal and deer dentin samples, indicates that the overall Thạch Lạc sequence extended from ca. 3100 until after 2200 cal. BCE. These results raise new questions about our understanding of the timing for the initial arrival of “Neolithic” populations into Mainland Southeast Asia and their relationships with pre-existing local communities. Show more