Ancient underground capital discovered in Thanh Hoa.

Thanh Hoa - Archaeological discoveries in Thanh Hoa have clarified the integrity of a former imperial capital, affirming the global significance and value of the heritage.

Archaeologists conduct research in the field. Photo: Tran Lam

On May 12th, the Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that in recent years, archaeological excavations at the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Site have yielded many important achievements, affirming the integrity, authenticity, and outstanding universal value of the heritage.

A master plan for the Tay Do citadel – the capital of the Ho Dynasty in the late 14th and early 15th centuries – has gradually emerged, with a system of temples, main palaces, roads, city gates, moats, etc., arranged in a synchronized and standardized manner.

In the heart of the citadel, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a magnificent structure – identified as the Hoang Nguyen Main Hall, where the king held court. The hall consists of nine bays, with a system of foundation stones, column bases, and materials characteristic of the Ho Dynasty, such as yellow glazed roof tiles and decorative bricks with dragon motifs. This is a crucial discovery that helps pinpoint the sacred axis of the citadel and its surrounding auxiliary structures.

Bodhi leaf ornament with dragon motif, 14th-15th century. Photo: Quách Du

The Royal Road and the Nam Giao Altar are approximately 2.5km long, flagstone-paved roads connecting the main palace to the Nam Giao Altar at the foot of Don Son Mountain. These roads were discovered, matching historical descriptions of the "Hoa Main Road." This was an important ceremonial axis where the king performed rituals to worship heaven and earth, praying for national peace and prosperity. At the Altar, numerous relics such as the King's well, the altar, the sacred path, the drainage system, and a series of valuable artifacts have been found.

The Nam Giao altar features a well combining square and circular shapes. Photo: Tran Lam

The moat surrounding the stone citadel is defined as a system encircling the entire citadel, approximately 50 meters wide and 4 kilometers long. The embankment is reinforced with ancient stones, and the moat itself is meticulously fortified. This defensive layer served both military purposes and regulated water resources, protecting the citadel.

The Ho Dynasty Citadel has four massive gates, built with large trapezoidal stone blocks joined together in arched vaults without the use of any binding material. Notably, the South and North gates have watchtowers on top with a well-designed drainage system and column bases. Inside, the gates are paved with solid blocks of green stone, and the foundations are sturdy, showcasing masterful construction techniques.

Ho Dynasty Citadel Gate. Photo: Tran Lam

In addition, archaeological findings have revealed religious structures and royal living quarters bearing the hallmarks of the Ho Dynasty.

The Eastern and Western Ancestral Temples are two temples dedicated to the Ho Dynasty's paternal and maternal families, symmetrically arranged in the southeast and southwest of the inner citadel. Each temple has a main hall, a rear hall, a triple gate, a courtyard, and surrounding corridors. Remarkably, archaeological findings reveal traces of Le Dynasty architecture superimposed on Ho Dynasty architecture – indicating continued use over many centuries.

The Royal Foundation – the royal residence – is a complex of interconnected structures: palace foundations, corridors, courtyards, wells, drainage systems, paving stones, flagstones, etc. Locally known as the Royal Foundation, archaeology confirms it was the residence of the Ho Dynasty royal family. Similar to other temple complexes, the layered architectural structures from the Le Dynasty here reinforce the continuous historical value of the site.

The pair of stone dragons – relics indicating this is the starting point for ascending to the main hall. Photo: Quách Du

The pair of stone dragons unearthed right on the steps leading to the main hall are the only artifacts remaining in the site. The dragons' design reflects the unique style of the Ho Dynasty, demonstrating the continuity of cultural traditions from the Ly-Tran Dynasties to the Ho Dynasty. This is a particularly symbolic archaeological highlight.

At An Ton Mountain, 2km from the citadel, archaeological findings reveal traces of an ancient stone quarry with many slabs of stone of the same type used in building the citadel. The intact layers of stone chips and tools demonstrate scientific planning and maximum resource efficiency in construction.

Outside the ancient citadel. Photo: Provided.

From archaeological findings, Ho Citadel emerges not just as a rigid stone monument, but as a vibrant living heritage, once a center of power, ritual, and culture throughout a historical period.

Archaeological findings not only establish the position and value of Ho Citadel in the development of Dai Viet civilization, but also provide a solid foundation for the preservation, restoration, and promotion of this heritage in the present and future.

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa/lo-dien-kinh-do-co-duoi-long-dat-o-thanh-hoa-1505424.ldo