Recent archaeological discoveries in Vietnam have unveiled a significant ancient ship burial site at the Linh Son Temple and the Viet Khe archaeological site in Hai Phong City, dated between the 5th and 6th centuries BCE. This site, located along the Kinh Thay River in Phu Ninh, Thuy Nguyen District, is particularly notable for being the first of its kind in the country, revealing burial practices involving ritual objects.
The Linh Son Temple, believed to have been established during the Ly Dynasty in the 12th century, has undergone several renovations over the centuries, with the most recent restoration completed in 2010. The temple complex now features a variety of architectural elements, including a bell tower and a garden of steles.
The ship burial discovered at Viet Khe consists of five graves, with one remaining intact. Inside, archaeologists found nearly 100 artifacts, predominantly made of bronze, including axes, drums, and ceremonial vessels, indicative of the Dong Son culture. Some items also show influences from the Warring States period of China.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient Vietnamese burial customs but also highlights the cultural exchanges that occurred in the region during this period. The artifacts have been transferred to the National Museum of Vietnamese History for preservation and display.
The Linh Son Temple and the Viet Khe archaeological site were officially designated as city-level historical sites in 2014, marking their importance in Vietnam's cultural heritage.