Allowing phase 2 archaeological excavation at Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic

VHO - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just issued Decision No. 1064 on allowing phase 2 archaeological excavation at the national relic Lieu Coc Twin Towers, Huong Xuan ward (Huong Tra town, Hue city).

Archaeological excavation site at Lieu Coc Twin Towers in 2024. Photo: VT

According to the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, archaeological exploration and excavation work at the Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic will continue to be carried out by the National Museum of History and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hue city.

The archaeological exploration and excavation will take place for nearly 2 months, from April 25 to June 20, 2025. The exploration and excavation will be chaired by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chat of the National Museum of History.

According to Decision 1064/QD-BVHTTDL, experts will conduct exploratory and archaeological excavations on an area of ​​66 square meters. Of which, the exploratory area is 6 square meters, including 2 holes x 3 square meters/hole. The excavation area is 60 square meters, including 2 holes: Hole 1 has an area of ​​50 square meters, Hole 2 is 10 square meters.

During the period of archaeological exploration and excavation, the National Museum of History and the Department of Culture and Information of Hue City need to pay attention to protecting the stratigraphy of the relic; have the responsibility to propagate to the people about the protection of cultural heritage in the locality. Do not announce the official conclusion without the agreement of the competent authority and the Department of Cultural Heritage.

A Buddha head relief was found during an archaeological excavation at the Lieu Coc Twin Towers site. Photo: S. THUY

The units responsible for preserving and maintaining artifacts collected during archaeological exploration and excavation must avoid damage or loss and report to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on plans to protect and promote their value.

During the archaeological excavation at the Thao Doi Lieu Coc relic in 2024, specialized units determined the ground plan, scale and structure of the North temple tower architecture; determined the location of the Gate tower, Fire tower, the eastern wall system and the road connecting the South tower to the North tower.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chat, Deputy Head of the Collection Research Department, National History Museum, said: Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic is different from Champa temple relics in Central Vietnam because it only has two main towers. The 2024 archaeological results only identified two main towers in the relic, with no sign of a third tower.

Archaeological excavation of the North Tower at the Lieu Coc Twin Towers site, experts determined that the tower was built in the 9th century, corresponding to the age of My Son C2 tower. Photo: S.THUY

During the excavation in 2024, the archaeological team also discovered and collected a large amount of relics with 4,807 specimens. The main focus was on architectural materials, architectural decorations, stone stele fragments and reliefs, glazed ceramics, porcelain, earthenware and metal coins.

In particular, there is a relief of a Buddha head made around the 11th - 12th century; 3 Champa lime pots from the 9th - 11th century are still relatively intact...

According to the representative of the Department of Culture and Information of Hue city, conducting the second phase of archaeological excavation at the Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic is necessary to clarify more information and have a more complete understanding of the relic. From there, it will be the basis for building solutions to preserve and promote the value of the national relic Lieu Coc Twin Towers in a long-term and sustainable manner.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/cho-phep-khai-quat-khao-co-giai-doan-2-tai-di-tich-thap-doi-lieu-coc-128567.html