Global Treasures: Plain of Jars

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1248

UPC: 879061008474

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Located in the northeast of Laos, Phonsavan is the starting point of a journey to one of the country's most mysterious archaeological discoveries.

On our journey to the archaeological excavation site, which is situated eight kilometres southwest of Phonsavan, a simple monastery is a reminder of the poverty that is rife in the region.

At first, it looks as though several rocks are towering up into the sky, but they are actually the legendary "Jars," hundreds of huge stone jars that cover an area of 25 hectares.

A short journey separates the first archaeological site of the Plain of Jars from the second that is close to Ban Lat Sen.

Most of the present knowledge of the Jars was due to the work of French archaeologist Madeleine Colani, who came here in the 1930's. She believed that the mysterious jars were created by an unknown civilization that lived in the region during the first century BC.

The Plain of Jars has managed to keep its secrets right up until the present day and remains one of the most mysterious historic discoveries in Laos.