Scientific Seminar: “Preliminary Report on the Results of the 2023 Exploratory Excavations at the Main Area of Kinh Thien Palace and the Archaeological Research and Excavation Results from 2011 to Present at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”
Since the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2010, the management, preservation, restoration, and promotion of its heritage values have been well implemented following UNESCO’s recommendations and the commitments of the Prime Minister of the Government. Particularly, archaeological excavation has been a focus.
From 2011 to the present, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) and the Vietnam Archaeology Association, has conducted archaeological research and excavations in the Central Area (Kinh Thien Palace area), covering a total area of over 10,000m2. These excavations have yielded significant results in understanding the values of the World Heritage Site Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi and have also unearthed many new, highly authentic materials contributing to the study and restoration of Kinh Thien Palace.
To introduce the important archaeological discoveries of 2023 and summarize the archaeological work from 2011 to the present, on December 21, 2023, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center and the Institute of Archaeology organize a scientific seminar “Preliminary Report on the Results of the 2023 Exploratory Excavations at the Main Area of Kinh Thien Palace and the Research and Excavation Results from 2011 to Present at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.” The event takes place at 9 Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, with the attendance and contributions of nearly 100 delegates from central agencies, Hanoi City, departments, institutes, universities, and scientists.
- Archaeological Work in 2023
- Results of the 2023 Archaeological Excavations
Following Decision No. 918/QĐ-BVHTTDL dated April 11, 2023, and 1463/QĐ-BVHTTDL dated June 7, 2023, by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism regarding archaeological excavations at the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center collaborated with the Institute of Archaeology to conduct exploratory excavations in the Northeast area of the Kinh Thien Palace site, covering an area of over 1,000m2 at 3 locations: the Department of Operations, Kinh Thien Palace, and the Hau Lau. The preliminary results are as follows:
+ The excavation pit north of the Department of Operations revealed several Dan Tri yard sections as well as traces of the Royal Pathway, continuing the results of the 2022 excavation, and the foundations of Ly Dynasty architecture.
+ At the Kinh Thien Palace Foundation Site: The exploratory excavation pits were opened directly on the Kinh Thien Palace foundation. To date, architectural traces from the Nguyen period (19th – 20th century), the Revival Le period (17th – 18th century), and the Early Le period (15th – 16th century) have been uncovered at the excavation sites. Essentially, the excavation has provided two important pieces of information: the structure and layout of the Kinh Thien Palace foundation during the Le and Revival Le periods, 17th – 18th centuries.
+ At the Southern Location of Hau Lau: Two architectural layers from the Revival Le period (17th – 18th century) and the Early Le period (15th – 16th century) have been revealed. From the Revival Le and Tran periods (13th – 14th centuries), pathways, brick floors, column foundations, and other foundation structures were found. These traces are related to the architectural remains excavated in 2021, and linked to the palaces of various periods in this area.
Besides architectural remains, the excavation also unearthed various types of artifacts including bricks, tiles, glazed ceramics, and stoneware related to the architectural development and royal life in this area.
- On-site Display of the Archaeological Pits at the Kinh Thien Palace Foundation
The 2023 archaeological work at the Kinh Thien Palace foundation area yielded extremely important results; it revealed a cultural layer over 3 meters deep with continuous cultural strata from the Nguyen to the Early Le period. A portion of the remains of the Long Thien Palace from the Nguyen period and the Kinh Thien Palace from the Le period have been identified. This indicates that the main palace remains are very well preserved underground.
To enhance the value of the heritage site, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology, has selected two representative excavation pits that accurately and vividly reflect the remains of the Kinh Thien Palace from the Le period for on-site display. This exhibit uses a system of panels, video clips, and lighting to concisely explain the construction, formation, and destruction of the Kinh Thien Palace, as well as the recent research, discovery, and reconstruction using 2D and 3D images of this significant heritage site.
- Summary of Archaeological Work from 2011 to Present
- Results of Excavations and Archaeological Research from 2011 to Present
Since the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi was honored as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, from 2011 to the present, the management, preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the heritage value have received close attention and direction from the Hanoi City Party Committee, the People’s Committee of Hanoi City, contributions from various central ministries, and scientists across multiple fields. Particularly, archaeological excavations have been a focus, strictly adhering to UNESCO’s recommendations and the commitments of the Prime Minister to the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
From 2011 to the present, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) and the Vietnam Archaeology Association, has conducted archaeological research and excavations in the Central Area (Kinh Thien Palace area), covering a total area of over 10,000m2. These excavations have yielded significant results in understanding the global outstanding values of the World Heritage Site Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi, and have also unearthed many new, highly authentic materials contributing to the study and restoration of Kinh Thien Palace.
The excavation results have identified a rich system of relics and artifacts and initially determined a part of the architectural structure of the Kinh Thien Palace area during the Early Le period (15th – early 16th century) and the Revival Le period (17th – 18th century), including Kinh Thien Palace, the Royal Pathway, Dai Trieu courtyard, gates, surrounding walls, and corridors.
Especially, the 2023 excavation work achieved very promising results in identifying the remains of the Kinh Thien Palace. Surveys at the excavation sites by international experts from the World Heritage Centre (UNESCO, ICOMOS) and domestic experts highly praised the findings, as the foundation of Kinh Thien Palace still preserves very well the architectural traces of various historical periods. This is a scientifically authentic basis for the research and restoration/reconstruction of Kinh Thien Palace.
- Exhibition of Le Dynasty Archaeological Research Findings at the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology, has organized an exhibition titled Results of the Le Dynasty Archaeological Research at the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi from 2011 to the Present. This exhibition systematically displays authentic findings from relics and artifacts, combined with 2D and 3D images, focusing on three main issues:
- The layout of the Central Axis and the Space of Kinh Thien Palace
- The structural layout of Kinh Thien Palace during the Le Dynasty
- Representative artifacts that interpret the architecture of the palaces in the Central Area.
The excavation results of 2023, as well as the journey of over 10 years, have significantly contributed to affirming and enhancing the global outstanding values of the World Heritage Site Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi. These findings are guiding a new vision for developing research strategies, conservation, and interpretation of the heritage.
III. Future Directions and Tasks
Based on the 2010 Commitment; the Hanoi Statement 2022 (from the International Scientific Seminar: “20 Years of Research, Preservation, and Enhancement of the Value of the World Heritage Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi” in September 2022); the 2023 Recommendations, and the archaeological excavation results from 2011 – 2023, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center will collaborate with the Institute of Archaeology to develop an Archaeological Strategy for the Central Axis Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, focusing on Kinh Thien Palace and its surrounding space. Additionally, research on the Inner Palace area (behind Kinh Thien Palace), where the king’s daily activities took place, is necessary. The archaeological research findings of this phase play a crucial role in providing authentic evidence for the heritage interpretation strategy and aim towards the restoration of Kinh Thien Palace and its surrounding space.
Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center
