Shocking archaeological discoveries from Trang An

Shocking discoveries at Trang An confirm that this place is a "living museum" of natural evolution and human culture.

On September 27th, the International Conference on Scientific Research in the Management, Conservation, and Promotion of the Values ​​of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, took place with the participation of Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu - Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee; Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and experts and scientists from Vietnam and abroad.

Many domestic and international delegates attended the conference.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Tran Song Tung, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, emphasized: "The conference is not only important in reaffirming Ninh Binh province's commitment and efforts in scientific research, but also an opportunity to introduce some outstanding results of the SUNDASIA archaeological research program."

Prehistoric human remains nearly 13,000 years old discovered.

Archaeological research and exploration at Thung Binh 1 cave in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex has yielded important discoveries: prehistoric human remains dating back over 12,000 years, along with data on stratigraphy, ancient flora and fauna, and burial practices.

Mr. Tran Song Tung - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ninh Binh province.

Mr. Tung affirmed: "The discovery of prehistoric human remains nearly 13,000 years old in the Trang An scenic complex, along with data on dating, stratigraphy, ancient flora and fauna, and burial methods of prehistoric people, has contributed to confirming Trang An as a living museum of natural evolution and human culture. This also demonstrates rare scientific evidence that clarifies the process of human habitation and adaptation to environmental changes, as well as supplementing valuable data on anthropology and genetics."

The discovery of the skeletal remains of the 'Trang An warrior' is a major breakthrough in archaeology.

The discovery of nearly 13,000-year-old prehistoric human remains in Ninh Binh has been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Great Britain and has been reported, cited, and reflected upon by over 500 news agencies, scientific journals, specialized blogs, and information websites both domestically and internationally. This has elevated Ninh Binh and Vietnam's position on the world map of heritage and tourism.

According to Dr. Ryan John Rabett, an archaeology expert from Queen's University Belfast (UK) and director of the archaeological research project at Trang An, the excavation, which has lasted nearly 10 years, has yielded groundbreaking discoveries.

Dr. Ryan Rabett.

Specifically, scientists found a nearly intact human skeleton, well-preserved in exceptional geological conditions. Radiocarbon dating indicates the skeleton dates back to the late Ice Age (12,000-12,500 years ago). The man, approximately 35 years old, had a wound from a quartz spear piercing his neck. The spear, nearly 2cm long, showed signs of craftsmanship, but no other quartz tools were found in the cave, suggesting the possibility of foreign technology.

According to Dr. Ryan Rabett, the SUNDASIA project, launched in 2016, has been underway for nearly 10 years with the participation of over 100 scientists, archaeologists, and experts from both Vietnam and abroad. The project has conducted excavations at seven sites, providing a better understanding of prehistoric people and how they lived there. The most significant discovery was the nearly 13,000-year-old skeleton of a "Trang An warrior" found in Thung Binh 1 cave.

Dr. Christopher Simpton provides information about the excavation and discovery of the skeleton of the 'Trang An warrior'.

Dr. Christopher Simpton, an archaeology expert from Queen's University Belfast (UK) and a member of the project, provided information about the beginning of the archaeological excavation at Thung Binh Cave. In 2017, they discovered a perfectly preserved right shoulder bone of an adult male, approximately 1.7m tall and around 35 years old. Subsequently, archaeologists unearthed all the other body parts of this man.

Dr. Christopher Mark Stimpson believes this is the oldest evidence of conflict between prehistoric human groups in mainland Southeast Asia.

Images from the excavation process at the Trang An scenic complex.

Affirming outstanding global value

A prehistoric human skull has been found in Trang An.

According to Jonathan Baker, UNESCO's representative office in Vietnam, recent research findings at Trang An not only help to better understand the close relationship between humans and nature over thousands of years but also further affirm its outstanding universal value, the fundamental reason for Trang An's inclusion as a World Heritage Site.

He emphasized that this discovery enriches the narrative of Trang An as a vibrant cultural landscape, a place that continues to inspire research, innovation, and sustainable development.

Experts believe the conference is not only an academic forum but also demonstrates a shared commitment to bridging science, policy, and the community to protect heritage. The published works will contribute to shaping conservation strategies, expanding international cooperation, and promoting the role of the community – the true stakeholders of heritage.

At the conference, Dr. Nguyen Viet, Director of the Southeast Asian Prehistory Center, also outlined the development direction for the " Living with Prehistoric People in Trang An" experiential tourism product, contributing to spreading heritage values ​​and promoting sustainable development.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhung-phat-hien-khao-co-chan-dong-tu-trang-an-2446704.html