Estimation of the construction period of Prasat Suor Prat in the Angkor monuments, Cambodia, based on the characteristics of its stone materials and the radioactive carbon age of charcoal fragments

Abstract Prasat Suor Prat in the Angkor monuments, Cambodia, is situated at the east end of the Royal Plaza and consists of 12 towers numbered N1–N6 and S1–S6 that are mainly made of laterite. Sandstone is also used for pediments, door and window frames, and balusters, etc. Until now, it was thought that Prasat Suor Prat was constructed in the Bayon period. However, the characteristics of the stone materials used for the Angkor monuments suggest that Prasat Suor Prat was constructed in the Angkor Wat period. This is supported by the radioactive carbon age obtained for charcoal fragments collected from the soil between the laterite blocks in the N1 tower and also from the stucco on the inner wall of the N2 tower.