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| Ancient structure: A gate at the Hồ Dynasty Citadel in the central province of Thanh Hóa. Local authorities have approved a plan to excavate at the northeast wall near the north gate of the citadel. Photo khoahoc.tv |
Viet Nam News
THANH HÓA — Authorities in the central province of Thanh Hóa have approved a plan to excavate an ancient citadel with unique architecture in Southeast Asia.
A sum of VNĐ4.4 billion (US$192,000) will be spent for excavation at the northeast wall near the north gate of the Hồ Dynasty Citadel, located in Vĩnh Lộc district.
The Hồ Citadel Conservation Centre will be mainly responsible for the excavation and will coordinate with the Việt Nam Archaeology Institute to excavate a total area of 400sq.m.
If scientists find any antiques, they will unearth the objects to measure and take photos before handing them over to the centre’s museum for further study.
If they find the foundation of the relic, they will stop excavation and dig a small hole to examine the structure of the foundation.
Phạm Đăng Quyền, vice chairman of Thanh Hóa People’s Committee, has assigned the duty to the centre.
The Hồ Dynasty Citadel in Vĩnh Lộc district was the capital of Đại Việt State (the old name of Việt Nam) under the Trần Dynasty (1389-1400) and the capital of Đại Ngu State under the Hồ Dynasty (1400-1407). The dimensions of the citadel, which was built in 1397, are 870m by 883m.
The complex includes an inner citadel, outer citadel and worship foundation on a total area of 155.6ha.
The entire structure is made of huge stones in a rectangular form, one laid over another without any mortar. The wall measures five to six metres in height, with some places reaching up to 10m.
This is the only citadel in the country built entirely of stone that has remained nearly intact throughout the nation’s history.
According to experts, the structure is an outstanding example of a new style of construction for a Southeast Asian imperial city.
The citadel was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.
Last year, more than 50 large stones spread across 20m fell from the north wall in a huge storm. The wall measures 6.9m in length and four metres in height. The amount of stones that fell on the ground is estimated to be 20cu.m. — VNS
