An excavation site near Kinh Thien palace(Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A recent excavation at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel inHanoi revealed a number of architectural vestiges, said archeologists from theThang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre and the Vietnam Institute ofArchaeology at a conference held in Hanoi on May 16.
Conducted within a total area of nearly 1,000 sq.m near Kinh Thien Palace, theexcavation found a wide range of artifacts, showing that the area once heldmajor structures of the Dai La, Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. Theyinclude vestiges of roads, parterres, ponds, stone foundations, and drainagepassages, among others.
Other relics unearthed included terracotta and pottery items, as well as woodand metal components.
The archeologists said that the excavation’s findings demonstrated the varietyand complexity of the underground historical and cultural relics within theThang Long Imperial Citadel, reinforcing the enormous value of the site.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel wasbuilt in the 11th century by the Ly dynasty, marking the independence of theDai Viet. The central sector of the citadel was recognised as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site on July 31, 2010.
Kinh Thien Palace is a main building in the central sector of the Thang LongImperial Citadel, which is located in what is now downtown Hanoi. It sits inthe centre of the complex, facing Doan Mon (south gate) and Flag Tower.
The palace was built in1428 and believed to be of highest importance, hosting many royal ceremonies.It was also in this palace that royal audiences were invited to discussnational issues.
The palace, however, wasalmost destroyed at the end of the 19th century by the French, and what remainstoday is a 100 cm-high banister to the south of the plot and several largestone steps with dragon carvings.–VNA
VNA
