The 13,000-year-old skeleton of the 'Trang An Warrior' is enshrined at Bai Dinh Pagoda.

TPO - On September 9th, the Trang An Heritage Management Board (Ninh Binh) announced that the skeleton of the "Trang An Warrior," dating back approximately 13,000 years, recently discovered in Thung Binh 1 cave (Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh), has been enshrined at Bai Dinh Pagoda. This remarkable archaeological discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution, migration, and conflicts of prehistoric humans.

"Warrior" taken down by special weapon.

Following the discovery and announcement, the authorities of Ninh Binh province and scientists brought the remains of the "Trang An Warrior" and two other prehistoric human remains to Bai Dinh Pagoda.

According to a report by the Trang An World Heritage Management Board, in Thung Binh 1 cave, part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Trang An Heritage Site), scientists discovered and announced a groundbreaking finding in the archaeological community: a prehistoric human skeleton dating back approximately 13,000 years, dubbed the "Trang An Warrior". This is not only a significant milestone for Vietnamese archaeology but also unlocks many mysteries about the evolution, migration, and conflicts of prehistoric humanity.

The remains of prehistoric humans are carefully preserved.

According to a report by the Trang An World Heritage Management Board, this ancient skeleton was found in good condition, dating back to the late Ice Age. Notably, scientists have for the first time successfully extracted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from human remains in a hot, humid tropical climate, which is generally unfavorable for the preservation of genetic material. This is considered the oldest sample of human mitochondrial DNA ever found, not only in Vietnam but also in the world.

Analysis revealed that the individual was a male, approximately 35 years old, with a physique rarely seen in prehistoric times. What astonished scientists was the fatal injury: a quartz spear embedded in the neck.

Examinations revealed that the wounds became infected, and the victims survived for days to weeks before dying. The deadly weapon, a finely crafted quartz spearhead, was a type of instrument never before recorded in Southeast Asian archaeology. This is the earliest evidence of armed conflict between prehistoric groups on the continent.

The remains of prehistoric humans are housed at the Tam The Temple, Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Genetic research from mitochondrial DNA reveals that the "Trang An Warrior" was of mixed South Asian and Southeast Asian ancestry. This finding adds extremely rare data to the global gene map, helping to decipher the complex migrations and interbreeding of humankind from tens of thousands of years ago.

This discovery has not only been studied by domestic scientists but has also been validated by many leading universities and research institutes worldwide.

Contributing to rewriting the history of humankind.

Scientists discovered this during the exploration process.

Following the announcement of the research results, the 13,000-year-old skeleton, along with two other skeletons found in Trang An, was reburied with special rituals. The remains were placed in monolithic wooden sarcophagi covered with resin for long-term preservation. Currently, the remains are enshrined in the Tam The Hall at Bai Dinh Pagoda.

According to the plan of the Trang An Heritage Management Board, by February 2026, these remains will be brought back and enshrined at the Kinh Dia Temple, part of the Kinh Thien Altar, right in the land where prehistoric people rested for the past 13 millennia.

The discovery of the "Trang An Warriors" is not only a source of pride for Vietnamese archaeology but also contributes to rewriting the history of humankind. It raises a series of new scientific questions: Who created those sophisticated quartz weapons? Why did fierce conflicts occur between prehistoric human groups? And how did the genetic interbreeding between South Asia and Southeast Asia shape the indigenous communities?

The discovery has led scientists to ask many questions about the history of humankind.

These mysteries still await answers from the scientific community. But clearly, Trang An, a land already famous for its magnificent landscapes and cultural value, is now even more mysterious as it becomes the resting place of the remains of a 13,000-year-old warrior, a living witness to human history.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/bo-xuong-chien-binh-trang-an-13000-nam-tuoi-duoc-an-vi-tai-chua-bai-dinh-post1776610.tpo