This photo shows the remains of the wooden stakes excavated in Đầm Thượng area in Thủy Nguyên District in Hải Phòng.City. The results of the excavation of the site are considered one of the most significant in Vietnamese archaeology over the past year. Photo courtesy of the Institute of Archaeology
HẢI PHÒNG — Vietnamese archaeology has continued to record significant discoveries and diverse valuable achievements in the past year, as announced at the 55th national archaeological conference that has taken place in northern Hải Phòng City.
The event was jointly held by the Academy of Social Sciences and Institute of Archaeology in co-operation with the People’s Committee of Hải Phòng City.
Opening the conference, Professor, Dr Phạm Văn Đức, Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said that the annual conference to announce new archaeological discoveries is an outstanding scientific activity associated with the formation and development of the country’s archaeology over the past half-century.
“This is an opportunity for archaeologists and specialists of related sciences to get together, exchange information and join academic debates which will open up new opportunities for cooperation in research, development, conservation and promote the values of the national cultural heritages,” he noted.
According to the professor, some significant discoveries of this year include new discoveries at archaeological sites in An Khê, the central highlands province of Gia Lai, which help to confirm the values of the relic to the appearance of primitive humans in Việt Nam 80,000 years ago, as well as the discoveries of the relics associated with human evolution and prehistoric cultures in Lạng Sơn, Thái Nguyên, Yên Bái and Hà Giang Provinces.
The highlight of the archaeological activities of the past year was the discovery and excavation of two relic sites of wooden stakes located in Cao Quỳ field and Đầm Thượng area in Thủy Nguyên District in the northern city port of Hải Phòng.
The results of archaeological research and interdisciplinary research initially determined that these were the relics of the Bạch Đằng Historic Battle against the Nguyên-Mông invaders in 1288.
According to the vice-chairman of the Hải Phòng City People’s Committee, Nguyễn Xuân Bình, the initial results of researching the traces of the resistance wars against the invaders on Bạch Đằng River have been announced thanks to the timely discovery of the locals, the participation of authorities and scientists.
“This is a discovery of great significance to the history of the city, and is the pride of the people of the country in general and the city in particular,” he stressed, adding that the city has been concerned about the project of building a road to Cao Quỳ Stake Reserve.
After the opening session of the conference, the delegates were divided into subcommittees including prehistory, history, Champa-Óc Eo Cultures and underwater to join a discussion.
The conference received 341 articles which are new archaeological discoveries in recent years, including 105 articles on prehistoric archaeology, 166 articles on historic archaeology, 48 articles on Champa-Óc Eo, 16 articles on underwater archaeology and six articles on the general activities of archaeological research institutions nationwide.
Carried out meticulously with rich content, such articles are expected to shed new light on the studies of Vietnamese archaeology and the understanding of the history of the nation’s formation. — VNS
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