New excavations at the 10th-century capital of Koh Ker have revealed sprawling terracotta-lined platforms specifically designed for ritual performances. These structures, located near the Prasat Thom pyramid, are believed to be the primary staging areas for the 'Dancing Shiva' festivals, where multi-day celebrations involved hundreds of performers and musicians.
The surfaces of the platforms show distinct wear patterns consistent with rhythmic dancing and are surrounded by drainage channels for ritual libations. This discovery confirms that the Koh Ker period was a pinnacle of Khmer ceremonial architecture, emphasizing the role of state-sponsored performance in maintaining the cosmic order during the Hindu-Buddhist transition.