The hierarchy of Ancient Lanna in the Chiang Mai-Lumphun Basin during 19-22 B.C.E.

Abstract

The hierarchy of a settlement unit is a social phenomenon that demonstrates relationships among social classes as well as administrative and economic relations. Many ethnic communities in Southeast Asia divide land and people by the political structures that affect economic and livelihood patterns. In ancient Lanna societies, mountains and intermountain valleys were natural features that determined settlements and lifestyles from prehistoric time until the Lanna period. Classification of physical characteristics and weighting scores of ancient settlements indicated a possible hierarchy of Lanna communities. Physical differences of cities, compared with historical data, were classified into four hierarchical orders.