Discover ancient stone exploitation site to build Nha Ho citadel

On December 24, the source from the World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center Ho Chi Minh City (Thanh Hoa) said that officials of the center have just discovered the second ancient stone exploitation site (determined to take stone to build Thanh Nha Ho) at Xuan Dai mountain, Vinh Ninh commune, Vinh Loc district; about 5km south of the capital city.

>>>Thousands of relics were discovered at Ho Citadel

This ancient stone mining site covers an area of ​​about 23 km ² located on the north-eastern slope of Xuan Dai mountain. This is a limestone mountain created during the Triassic period, about 250 million years ago. The mountain has an average altitude of over 100m, divided into a section of stratigraphic beds, very convenient for peeling.

In this mountain area, officials of the Center for World Cultural Heritage Conservation Nha Ho discovered traces of an ancient stone exploitation site; Statistics of 16 stone slabs were removed, manipulated relatively elaborately. Many stones are relatively large in size, estimated at tens of tons. The traces of stone manipulation techniques are very clear. The stones are crafted from 4 to 5 edges; relatively smooth surface.

Xuan Dai mountain in Vinh Ninh commune, Vinh Loc district (Thanh Hoa) - place
discovered the ancient stone exploitation site to build the Citadel of Ho Dynasty.

When compared, stone processing techniques here are like stone slabs used to build Ho Dynasty Citadel. In addition, on the eastern side of Xuan Dai mountain, there are many stones scattered. Although there are no stone sculptures here, the mountains on this mountain have a rather square shape.

According to Dr. Do Quang Trong - Director of the Center for Conservation of World Cultural Heritage of Ho Dynasty, the stone slabs at Xuan Dai Mountain were removed by the stone workers of the Ho Dynasty, then taken to the foot of the mountain to proceed with the preliminary prepared before being taken back to build the Tay Do citadel (another name of Ho Citadel).

The discovery of an ancient stone mining site to build Thanh Nha Ho at Xuan Dai Mountain is an important discovery, with great practical and scientific significance. Marking a step forward in the process of implementing commitments to preserve and manage the World Cultural Heritage of Ho Dynasty. This proves that in order to build the Tay Do citadel, Ho's house has mobilized a huge amount of strength and material in the country to exploit and transport large stones from different places on construction. This unique stone architecture.

It is known that after the Ho Chi Minh Citadel was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage at the end of June 2011, until July 2011, through the survey process, the staff of the Ho Chi Minh City Citadel Heritage Center has distributed the first site of ancient stone exploitation is now located at An Ton mountain, in Vinh Yen commune, Vinh Loc district. Through conducting archaeological excavations, scientists affirmed that this is a stone exploitation site for the construction of Ho Dynasty.

After discovering the second site of ancient stone exploitation at Xuan Dai Mountain to build Ho Chi Minh Citadel, the World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center of Ho Dynasty is continuing to survey and research; coordinate with specialized agencies to excavate this site to have more facilities and scientific bases on the ancient stone exploitation site. Since then, the center has further recommendations to the functional industry on conservation, research and promotion of monuments.