Excavating a latrine for more than 3,500 years in Vietnam

ABC Radio (Australia) reports on a breakthrough discovery in Southeast Asian history. Accordingly, the Vietnamese-Australian archaeological team found what they called the first toilet in southern Vietnam.

The excavation site is about 30km south of HCMC, belonging to the archaeological site of Rach Nui, Long An province.

View of excavation area in Rach Nui - (Photo: Asian Scientist)

This is an artificial mound of about one hectare, 5 meters high, surrounded by canals.

One of the archaeologists is Dr. Marc Oxenham (Australian National University), who says that human and dog waste is preserved in good condition in Rach Nui, allowing researchers to explore. about the diet of ancient people.

'In waste with animal bones, fish bones, and vegetables , ' Dr. Oxenham told Australian ABC radio.

Dr. Oxenham said his team believes the toilet is more than 3,500 years old, during the Neolithic period.

'We also found structures still intact, or the basic structures of buildings that were built between 3,500 and 4,000 years ago,' said Dr. Oxenham.

Australian experts admit this is the most important discovery of the group for so long, and they need a lot of time to follow the trail and habit of the ancient people.