Banten Girang, Archaeological site in Sempu village, Serang, Indonesia.
Banten Girang is an archaeological site south of Serang, Indonesia, featuring stone cliffs with carved caves, burial chambers, and a stepped structure near the Cibanten River. The excavated ground also reveals foundations of former dwellings and multiple layers of ancient occupation stacked one above the other.
The settlement began in the 10th century and grew into a busy residential hub between the 13th and 14th centuries. It was then gradually left behind, eventually buried under layers of earth for centuries until modern excavations brought it back to light.
Stone statues found here depict Hindu deities including Shiva, Durga, and Ganesha, carved in a style rooted in Central Javanese tradition. These figures are still visible inside the caves and at several points across the site today.
The site sits on hilly ground, and walking through the rocky formations and excavated areas calls for sturdy footwear. Bringing water is a good idea, as the path crosses uneven terrain and shade is not always available.
Excavations led by French archaeologist Claude Guillot between 1988 and 1992 showed that the site was primarily a residential area, not a religious one. This finding changed the way researchers understood how people actually lived here in ancient times.
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