Digging for clues: An excavation has just started at Hồ Dynasty Citadel, Việt Nam’s capital under the Hồ dynasty (1398-1407). Photo mientrung.vanhien.vn |
HÀ NỘI – The excavation of a 14th century citadel in the central province of Thanh Hóa kicked off yesterday (April 15).
The excavation, carried out by experts from the Việt Nam Archaeology Institute on a total area of 2,000sq.m at the canal area north of Hồ Citadel, will last until August 15.
Objects unearthed during the excavation will be preserved by the Hồ Citadel Heritage Conservation Centre. The centre will then propose methods to preserve the objects to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
After the excavation, the local department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the institute will report the results to the Department of Cultural Heritage.
The Hồ Dynasty Citadel was Việt Nam’s capital under the Hồ dynasty (1398-1407). Located in Vĩnh Lộc District, the citadel measures 870m by 883m and was built in 1397. It is the only citadel in the country built entirely of stone and remained nearly intact throughout the nation’s history.
It was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO on June 27, 2011. According to experts, the structure is an outstanding example of a new style of construction for a Southeast Asian imperial city. — VNS