A well that was built with bricks during the 9th and 10th century was discovered at an archaeological site in Hanoi's Dong Ngac commune.

The well was discovered while the archaeologists were working on excavating two tombs built during the first century and the fourth-sixth century that were unearthed earlier this month.

More than a week later, the archaeologists discovered 27 objects including pottery, iron nails, a broken copper bowl and a glass string.

A pottery vase, shaped like a rooster, is considered to be the most valuable artefact that was discovered.

Associate Prof Nguyen Lan Cuong, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnamese Association of Archaeology, said the well is very deep.

The researchers have so far gone 3.5m into the ground, but they have yet to reach the structure's bottom.

When the excavation is finished, the old well may be exhibited in the Hanoi Museum.

Associate Prof Tong Trung Tin, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, is thrilled by the discovery because the artefacts are still intact.

"The artefacts will help us understand the funeral rites and tomb building techniques that were practised by our ancestors," he said./.