Fort Canning Archaeological Excavation Site, Singapore

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Fort Canning Archaeological Excavation Site

Fort Canning Archaeological Excavation Site is located on a slope of Fort Canning, Singapore, a short distance from Keramat Iskandar Shah. It was here in 1984 that Dr John Miksic, an archaeologist then associated with Gadjah Mada University of Jogjakarta, Indonesia, conducted an archaeological excavation.

The resulting excavation uncovered artefacts dating from the 14th century, providing glimpses to Singapore's pre-colonial history. Among the artefacts dug up were porcelain, earthenware and glass shards. The evidence pointed to the existence of a Malay kingdom centred on Fort Canning Hill, which was called Bukit Larangan when Stamford Raffles landed. From the time of Raffles until then, it was assumed that Singapore was just a collection of Malay fishing villages when the British arrived. The evidence now elevated the island's significance as a trading port during the 14th century.