Archaeological excavations at the ancient citadel of Luy Lau in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam, have revealed significant architectural remnants. The excavation, led by Professor Hoang Hieu Phan and Le Van Chien, took place at the outer western wall of the citadel between March 25 and the end of April 2025.
The discoveries include the foundation of a structure built with grey-blue rectangular bricks, running along the city wall towards the Dau River. The foundation, about 3.3 meters long, features double walls and a flat stepped design, showcasing the intricate construction techniques of the ancient inhabitants.
Artifacts and Cultural Significance
Artifacts collected include building bricks, decorative bricks, cylindrical tiles, ridge tiles, and earthenware items. Some bricks bear ancient Chinese characters, providing valuable insights into the cultural and political context of the Luy Lau citadel. The excavation results continue the discoveries from 2022, with an expanded area and richer documentation.
Previous excavations in 2024 revealed a piece of a bronze drum mold and over 2,300 fragments. This discovery indicates that Luy Lau was a significant center for metallurgy and bronze casting, highlighting the enduring vitality of Dong Son culture. The site also yielded relics from the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), suggesting continued use of the area during that period.
Historical Context
Luy Lau served as the administrative center of Giao Chi district and the capital of Giao Chau. It was a key hub for politics, economy, trade, and ancient religious activities in northern Vietnam in the first 10 centuries AD. The ongoing excavations continue to reinforce the exceptional value of the ancient citadel.