The Đông Sơn Archaeological Site

20/12/2024 44 0

An Excavation Pit at the Đông Sơn Archaeological Site

The Đông Sơn Archaeological Site consists of two main areas: the southern bank of the Ma River and within the ancient Đông Sơn village (now part of Hàm Rồng Ward, Thanh Hóa City). It is where traces of the earliest culture in Vietnam were discovered. This location has been named after a culture that is emblematic of the Vietnamese people during the period of nation-building.

The discovery by Nguyễn Văn Nắm (Kiểm Đạt) in 1924 of bronze artifacts buried in the ground due to riverbank erosion, along with later publications by the École Française d'Extrême-Orient in scientific journals, brought international fame to Đông Sơn village. It became known as the site of the 'Bronze Age in Northern and Central Vietnam,' giving its name to the 'Đông Sơn Culture'—the pinnacle of the Bronze and early Iron Ages in Vietnam, which flourished from the 7th century BCE to the 1st-2nd centuries CE. This is the most important discovery in Vietnamese archaeology, showing that Đông Sơn village is one of the ancient Vietnamese villages that emerged very early and has continuously developed to this day. Through its strong and highly communal bonds, the people of Đông Sơn created a brilliant civilization.

Over the course of more than 80 years, there have been seven large-scale archaeological excavations at Đông Sơn village. The total excavation area amounts to 2,214 square meters, yielding an extensive and diverse collection of artifacts, including production tools (plow blades, sickles, chisels, axes, etc.); weapons (daggers, short swords, arrowheads, etc.); containers (pots, jars, bowls, etc.); jewelry (earrings, bracelets, bead necklaces, etc.); and other items (statues, bells, drums, etc.). Among the many artifacts uncovered, the Đông Sơn bronze drum stands out as the most valuable, being regarded as the crowning achievement of Đông Sơn civilization.

As the first site to reveal traces of a brilliant Bronze Age culture, Đông Sơn has given its name to an archaeological term that is now recognized both nationally and internationally.

With its significant contributions to the field of archaeology, the Đông Sơn Archaeological Site was recognized as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) on April 28, 1962. This serves as a vivid testament to the formation and development of the Đông Sơn culture, and it has become an attractive cultural and historical destination for both domestic and international visitors. Those who visit Đông Sơn will have the opportunity to admire unique ancient artifacts, explore the millennia-old history of the ancient Vietnamese people, and experience the harmonious beauty of the natural landscape, its people, and the culture of the region.

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