Unexpected discovery from the Ho Dynasty Citadel heritage site.

Accordingly, the results of archaeological excavations at Ho Citadel clearly reveal the architectural planning and construction methods, as well as the arrangement of the citadel's structures, of a Vietnamese feudal monarchy in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.

From the surviving city walls and gates, archaeology has uncovered many important structures within the Ho Dynasty Citadel, such as: Hoang Nguyen Palace (main palace); Dong Thai Mieu Temple; Tay Thai Mieu Temple; the King's Foundation; the moat; the Royal Road; the structure of the city walls and gates... along with a system of extremely unique and valuable artifacts and relics.

Archaeological findings have determined that the foundation and walls of the Ho Dynasty citadel were constructed using a combination of different materials, with three tightly interconnected layers: The outer layer consists of large stone blocks; the middle layer is reinforced by natural stone blocks interleaved in layers to form the outer wall; and the innermost layer is constructed of clay mixed with pebbles and crushed stone, compacted and firmly sealed in layers with a gentle slope inwards, creating a supporting structure for the entire outer stone wall. The foundation is reinforced by multiple layers of stone and clay mixed with pebbles and foundation stones, providing stability to the entire citadel wall.

The Nam Giao Altar in Tay Do is an important architectural structure within the overall Ho Dynasty Citadel heritage site. Excavations and archaeological studies have basically determined the appearance of an ancient altar. With its architectural foundations remaining almost intact, a series of important and unique architectural structures have been unearthed through excavation and archaeology, such as: the King's Well, the Sacred Path, the Altar, the system of foundations for various altar levels, the drainage system... along with many unique and valuable artifacts such as: the head of a phoenix with a parrot beak, decorative bricks and tiles...

Excavations have determined the moat's location to be between 60 and 90 meters from the base of the citadel; its size is estimated to be 50 meters wide and approximately 4 kilometers long, encircling the entire stone citadel. The moat's structure is defined by its interior and the surrounding 4 kilometers of ancient stone embankment, providing structural stability. The moat is considered a unified, integrated structure surrounding the entire Ho Dynasty citadel, with a large scale and unique architecture. A portion of it is based on the natural terrain, while the rest is expanded to reinforce the base of the citadel and protect the entire structure.

Archaeological excavations are underway in the area of the South Gate and within the citadel. At the Ho Dynasty Citadel World Heritage site, archaeologists have discovered a road (Royal Road) paved entirely with flagstones on a massive scale. This road runs directly into the main axis of the Tay Do capital.

Excavations and archaeological findings at the city gates have revealed the scale and architecture of the Ho Dynasty citadel gates. A prominent and distinctive feature of the Ho Dynasty citadel is that all four gates and four city walls are built of sturdy and imposing stone. The gates are constructed in an arched shape with large blocks of stone in the shape of isosceles trapezoids (or grapefruit segments), without the use of any binding material. Inside, the gates are meticulously crafted, with the door frames, door hinges, and foundations entirely paved with solid blocks of green stone. Above the southern and northern gates are watchtowers with well-designed column bases and drainage systems.

Excavation and archaeology of the central area. The excavation of the Ho Dynasty Citadel has also identified a complete central architectural structure, including a main hall with nine bays, featuring an extremely grand architecture evident in the length and width of the bays and the characteristic foundation and column system of the Ho Dynasty. The main hall is identified as the largest archaeological site discovered to date. The artifacts and relics unearthed in this area are mostly decorated with dragon motifs, and the bricks, roof tiles, and decorative tiles are dyed with yellow glaze, a characteristic only permitted for the main hall where the Emperor held court. These architectural materials, unearthed only in this excavation area and not in any other structures previously excavated within the Ho Dynasty Citadel, clearly demonstrate that this was the main hall of the Tay Do capital...

According to scientists, these important archaeological findings clearly demonstrate that Ho Citadel was a well-planned and systematically constructed ancient capital, complete with temples, shrines, palaces, and roads, and was used throughout many feudal monarchies of Vietnam as the administrative, political , and military center of the nation and the region at that time.

Ho Citadel (also known as Tay Do Citadel) is located in the administrative area of Vinh Long and Vinh Tien communes, Vinh Loc district (Thanh Hoa province). It is one of the most unique stone architectural works in Vietnam and the world. Built by Ho Quy Ly in 1397, it was once considered the capital and the socio-political and cultural center of Dai Ngu Kingdom under the Ho Dynasty. After more than 600 years of existence and numerous historical events, most of the imperial citadel has been destroyed, but the ramparts remain almost intact. On June 27, 2011, Ho Citadel was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Through numerous excavations, archaeologists have discovered many artifacts and deciphered many secrets about the construction process and other valuable aspects of the structure.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/phat-hien-bat-ngo-tu-di-san-thanh-nha-ho-post1741431.tpo