UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Tilaurakot
Nepal

Tilaurakot

Fortified ancient city with monumental gateways

Location

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Historical Context

About

Tilaurakot, an archaeological site in southern Nepal, is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, a significant early historic city in South Asia. The site features a well-planned fortified city with a grid layout, encompassing a citadel with monumental gateways and an inner complex that may have served as the civic center. The presence of stupas, roads, and an iron workshop indicates a rich cultural and industrial history. The site dates back to the Early Iron Age, with urban occupation starting around 570 BCE. Tilaurakot's significance lies in its association with Gautama Buddha's early life and its status as a potential capital of the Shakya kingdom, contributing to our understanding of ancient urbanization and religious practices in the region.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Early Settlement Flooding

620 BCE

First Urban Occupation

570 BCE

Construction of Earthen Wall

450 BCE

Workshop Activity

400 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsTowersDitches
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

Workshops
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Religious and Ritual Structures

StupasVihara
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesPalaces
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial MoundsSoil Layers
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Transportation and Communication Structures

Roads
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Nepal

Coordinates

27.58° N, 83.08° E