More than just an archaeological discovery, the Cat Tien Archaeological Site today also carries the hope of reviving the historical and cultural values of the southernmost region of the Central Highlands.
From the ancient temple foundations along the Dong Nai River, the story of Cat Tien is gradually transcending the realm of archaeology to become a journey of preserving cultural memory and developing heritage tourism in this mysterious land that is slowly being awakened.
Historical sediments
More than 40 years after its discovery, the Cat Tien archaeological site is no longer just a story of archaeology. Amidst the land along the Dong Nai River, the foundations of ancient temples and towers are gradually becoming a part of the memories, pride, and hopes for development of the local people.
From a discovery deep underground, Cat Tien today is opening up many new perspectives on the history, culture, and identity of this still mysterious land.
For many years, the Southern Central Highlands was primarily known for its gong culture and the lives of its indigenous communities. However, the emergence of a large-scale temple complex upstream of the Dong Nai River has opened up many new perspectives on the history of this region dating back more than a millennium.
According to researchers, the greatest value that Cat Tien offers lies not only in its artifacts or ancient architecture, but also in expanding awareness of the history and culture of the Southern Central Highlands.
The existence of dozens of temple complexes and religious spaces indicates that this place was once an important religious center for ancient inhabitants.
This also raises many new questions about the formation, development, and cultural exchange of communities residing along the Dong Nai River basin throughout history.
More than just an "archaeological site," Cat Tien is gradually being recognized as a unique cultural space of the Southern Central Highlands – a place where the past still lingers beneath layers of red basalt soil and amidst ancient forests along the riverbanks.
For many locals, the discovery of the Cat Tien Archaeological Site has changed their perspective on the land they live in. Mr. Truong Van Trinh, a resident of Cat Tien commune, said that since the site was unearthed and widely publicized, many research groups, students, and tourists have come to the area to visit and learn about the history of the land along the Dong Nai River.
"Local people are very proud to have such a special historical site here. However, there are still many difficulties regarding mechanisms, investment, and infrastructure, so the promotion and development of its value have not been as successful as desired," Mr. Trinh said.
Over the years, local people have not only witnessed archaeological excavations taking place in the dense forest, but have also become directly involved in preserving the remaining ancient relics.
For them, the ancient brick foundations, stone pedestals, and temple complexes are not simply relics, but also a part of the memories and pride of the land along the Dong Nai River.
Along with its exceptional historical and cultural value, Cat Tien also faces many challenges in conservation efforts. Most of the archaeological sites are located deep within the old-growth forests of the Southern Central Highlands, directly affected by climate, erosion, and natural weathering processes.
After each excavation, the pressure to preserve the foundations, altars, and artifacts in their original state grows ever greater. Experts agree that the biggest challenge now is not continuing the excavations, but rather how to ensure long-term preservation of an archaeological complex situated in such unique natural conditions.
Each layer of soil removed also means a risk of losing the original state of the site. Therefore, excavation needs to be accompanied by a long-term and cautious conservation strategy.
According to Mr. Nguyen Viet Tuan, from the Cat Tien Archaeological Site Management Board: To date, the best way to preserve the relics is to leave them buried underground. For areas that have been excavated, preservation is done by building shelters and restoring them through relocation methods.
The aspiration to awaken the "sacred place"
Beyond its archaeological significance, Cat Tien is also expected to become a driving force for the local cultural and tourism development in the future. Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cat Tien commune, stated that the locality hopes to gradually build a tourism development space linked to the unique archaeological, historical, and ecological values of the land along the Dong Nai River.
According to Mr. Tien, promoting the value of the Cat Tien archaeological site not only aims to preserve history but also to create more space for the development of tourism for local people.
This is even more significant as the locality, along with the rest of the country, is implementing Resolution 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo, which identifies "the development of culture and people as the foundation, an important endogenous resource, and a great driving force for the rapid and sustainable development of the country."
Information from the Cat Tien Archaeological Site Management Board indicates that the Department of Culture is gradually developing an investment plan to enhance conservation, research, and international cooperation capabilities for this archaeological complex. More than 40 years after their discovery, many aspects of the ancient temples and towers along the Dong Nai River remain unexplained.
But from the moss-covered brick foundations amidst the ancient forests of the Southern Central Highlands, another journey is gradually unfolding - a journey of preserving, awakening, and naming a "sacred site" of Vietnamese history.
More in-depth research and international scientific conferences are needed to gradually unravel the mysteries still hidden beneath the Cat Tien mountain. Only then can the history of its formation, its true owners, and the significance of this ancient temple complex be fully understood.
According to Mr. Nguyen Viet Tuan, if the mysteries of Cat Tien are fully unraveled, it could certainly be included in a dossier to propose it for UNESCO recognition as a World Cultural Heritage site.
And who knows, in the future, alongside the heritage sites already recognized by the world, Vietnam may have another heritage site bearing the unique imprint of the history and culture of the Southern Central Highlands region, and also a part of humanity's shared memory.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/danh-thuc-vung-dat-bi-an-di-tich-khao-co-cat-tien-post1110458.vnp
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