Scientists and researchers from Archeology Institute are conducting archeological exploration on Dương Xuân mound where the Đan Dương Palace under the Nguyễn Lords and Tây Sơn Dynasty is said to be located. — Photo courtesy of the  Archeology Institute

THỪA THIÊN-HUẾ — Scientists and researchers have announced a new series of findings of Phú Xuân, the ancient historical capital of the Nguyễn Lords and Tây Sơn Dynasty, in the present-day central province of Thừa Thiên-Huế.

The announcement was made at a conference held in the province by the provincial Historical Science Association last Friday.

Among 25 studies sent to the conference, 15 were presented with new information about Phú Xuân.

The new findings are about palaces and people in the past related to the role of Phú Xuân in politics, economy and culture.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phan Thiên Định speaking at the conference. — Photo baothuathienhue.vn

Researchers and participants at the conference also discussed Phú Xuân as a capital under the reign of the Nguyễn Lords (1600-1802) and Tây Sơn Dynasty (1786-1802).

New documents about the role of the ancient capital have been announced focusing on the Nguyễn Lords and Tây Sơn Dynasty’s process of founding and protecting national sovereignty, territory, sea and islands, fighting against foreign invaders and national reunification.

The studies revealed Phú Xuân in the 17th century was a place for producing cannons using Portuguese technology through technician João Da Cruz.

Under the Nguyễn Lords and Tây Sơn Dynasty, the capital was the centre for producing the local hỏa hổ (tiger fire), a type of explosive.

It was also home to modern and Western-style watch manufacturing and repairing through a workshop of Nguyễn Văn Tú, who brought the new technology after studying abroad in the Netherlands.

In addition, at the conference, researchers announced information about the intangible cultural values featuring the characteristics of Phú Xuân that need to be preserved and promoted.

Nguyễn Anh Huy presented his findings on Phủ Ao, the summer palace of the Nguyễn Dynasty, now located near the lake area on Mạc Đĩnh Chi Road, Huế City’s Phù Cát District. The findings contain historical information that needs to be archaeologically explored.

Researcher Trần Viết Điền also presented new findings about Tiền Dực palace located in the area of the International Training Centre of Huế University at No 4 Lê Lợi Street and the Information Technology Centre at No 6, Lê Lợi Street.

One issue that attracted attention from participants was whether or not King Quang Trung’s Đan Dương and Đan Lăng palaces were close to Thiền Lâm Pagoda on which the Việt Nam Historical Science Association and the Archaeology Institute have previously conducted some archaeological explorations.

“Phú Xuân is the bridge connecting from north to south and it is spiritually regarded as the connection of the lifespan of the country from the past to present, from the royal wisdom to folklore culture, from the national cultural tradition to the current human civilisation. Without Phú Xuân, there would be no national territory like ours today because from Thuận Hóa, the Nguyễn Lords had the powerful force enough to successfully complete their Southern annexation”, researchers Thái Quang Trung and Lê Thị Hoài Thanh reported.

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of Thừa Thiên-Huế Province’s People's Committee Phan Thiên Định appreciated the researchers and their studies.

He said he hoped delegates and scientists would continue to do their research to objectively assess the history of the area.

“This will be a proper foundation for planning and implementation conservation and development policies for the present and the future of Thừa Thiên-Huế Province,” said Định. — VNS