Discovering many valuable archeological artifacts at the ancient Vietnamese 'city'

In the joint project of Vietnam - Japan archeological research in the period of 2014 - 2019, experts of the National Museum of History and East Asia University (Japan) conducted the first archaeological excavation. 2 years 2015 at Luy Lau citadel, Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district (Bac Ninh).

Luy Lau relic is the domination of Giao Chi district in Han Dynasty. From about 2000 years ago, this place was a political, economic and cultural center of Linh Nam area - North Vietnam.

The excavation has widened the scope of the study to the vestiges of the Citadel , continuing to study the positions that have discovered vestiges of the inner city walls to the east and the northern city gate. In addition, archaeologists also expanded the scope of the research into the field of bronze drum casting.

In the excavation pits, archaeologists have obtained a large amount of artifacts as architectural materials, living utensils dating from the 1st century BC to the 14th century AD. Household items (pottery, traces of kitchen) and construction materials (bricks, tiles, tile heads .) prove the continuous and long-term residence of residents in this area and affirms. It is intended to be a large-scale settlement center.

Dong Son bronze drum mold was found during archaeological excavation at Luy Lau citadel.(Photo: NT).

What was special about the excavation was the acquisition of over 900 pieces of castings of Dong Son bronze drums dating back to the 4th century. The found patterns were found in stable strata, with copper pots and pieces of mold scattered in the excavation holes and excavations show that the area of ​​Luy Lau could have been a large-scale copper casting workshop.

The findings of casting drums in 2015 added to the excavation results in 2014, confirming more than the indigenousness of bronze drums. The mold molds proved the vitality of Dong Son culture. National cultural circuits continue to flow strongly during the Northern period.

A corner of the city of Noi - Luy Lau today.(Photo: TL).

Despite the important historical and cultural values, despite the interest and protection, Luy Lau ancient citadel is still influenced by modern times: The hunt for antiquities, the digging of fish ponds and build the graves of residents who are still living in the city area. Want to preserve relics need to take timely measures to prevent this situation. This is also a question of management levels, both central and local.

In the coming years, the research team will continue to excavate with the desire to clarify the face of Luy Lau relic, to appreciate the meaning of Giao Chi district in the beginning of the AD and at the same time will organize a number of international conferences to publish research results in Vietnam and Japan.