The excavated area within Kinh Thien Palace. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Theexcavation of Kinh Thien Palace in 2016 continues to demonstrate the varietyand complexity of the relics within the main area of the palace, as well ascontributes to clarifying the enormous values of Vietnam’s world heritage, ThangLong Royal Citadel.
The conclusion was made at ascientific conference entitled Reports on Preliminary Results of Kinh ThienPalace Excavation in 2016, jointly organised by Thang Long-Hanoi HeritagePreservation Centre and Vietnam Institute of Archaeology on December 28. Theevent drew the participation of many representative of Hanoi’s authority,representatives of relevant organisations and renowned scientists.
Taking place from January toDecember this year, the excavation was conducted by Thang Long-Hanoi HeritagePreservation Centre and Vietnam Institute of Archaeology on a total area ofnearly 1,000 sq.m in the main area of Kinh Thien Palace.
According to Associate Professor TongTrung Tin, successive cultural layers of approximately 4-metre depth thatexpanded in over ten centuries, from the 8th-9th centuryto 19th-20th century, have been clarified.
Continuing the results of theexcavations in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the excavation of this year has alsoclarified the architecture southwest of the main area of Kinh Thien Palace,including the general court, surrounding walls, corridor that dated back to thelater Le Dynasty early period and later Le Dynasty warlord period in the 15th to 18th century.
Especially, a part of thearchitectural space of the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) and more pillar foundationshave been unearthed.
“The highlight of the excavation isthe vestiges of the large-scale water systems, contributing to the study of LyDynasty’s planning in the centre of the royal city,” Tin says.
According to professor Phan Huy Le,chairman of Vietnam Association of History and Science, the results have painteda clearer picture of Kinh Thien Palace’s space.
“The later Le Dynasty warlord periodhas proved to have been prosperous, especially in the 17th century.Besides, proof of international trade is the new foundation of this excavationthat influenced the whole context of the country at that time. At the sametime, the minimum scale of ancient Dai La Citadel has been made clear,” Lesays.
The professor also suggests newtargets for the excavation in the area for the upcoming years, includingdigitising the relics to compile scientific dossiers, connecting the results ofthe excavations and regularly promoting the values of Thang Long Royal Citadelso that more visitors can learn about Vietnam’s world heritage.
The excavated area will be open forpublic visit this upcoming Lunar New Year.
Kinh Thien Palace is the mostimportant building in the Thang Long Royal citadel, which was recognised byUNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It sits in the centre of thecomplex, facing Doan Mon (south gate) and Flag Tower. -VNA
