An Ancient City

This chapter places the Co Loa site within a context of ancient large-scale settlements, cities, and urban centers. The author argues that Co Loa is emblematic of a Southeast Asian form of urbanism, marked by earthworks and hydraulic systems and a concern over water management. The chapter begins with a review of early moated settlements across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of water control for settlements. Next, criteria and definitions for cities are discussed. Models for Southeast Asian urbanism are presented, and it is argued that Co Loa’s urbanism drew from indigenous developments, Southeast Asian traditions, and influences from China. Following this is an inquiry into the military and non-military functions of Co Loa’s ramparts and their relationship to the site’s functions as an early city. The chapter concludes with a detailed discussion of the labor requirements and population size required to build the ramparts, drawing on analogies with other monumental constructions from around the world.