Two ancient boats discovered in Bac Ninh are likely to date back to the Giao Chi period.

Image of emergency excavation of ancient boat. — Images of the emergency excavation of the ancient boat

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province is coordinating with the Institute of Archaeology to conduct an emergency excavation of two ancient boats discovered by local people in Cong Ha quarter, Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town.

Records at the scene show that the two ancient boats were almost completely excavated. The boat was divided into 6 compartments. During the excavation, archaeologists carefully and meticulously removed each layer of sand and soil to avoid damaging the wood and hull of the boat.

The soil in each boat compartment is kept separate, then brought to an area to be washed and screened with water to reveal the artifacts. From the collected artifacts, archaeologists will classify each type of seed, fruit or valuable antique to serve the research and evaluation work.

According to Mr. Duong Trung Quoc, boats are common items in river areas, and when found in ancient riverbeds, they become even more valuable; they need to be preserved and require the involvement of experts.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Mao, Director of the Bac Ninh Provincial Relic Management Board (far right) shares information with historian Duong Trung Quoc and delegates at the excavation site.

Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Department of Historical Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences ) invited a number of scientists to the excavation area of two ancient boats, everyone said "this boat is very unique".

Archaeologist Dr. Pham Van Trieu assessed that two ancient boats in Thuan Thanh, Bac Ninh, likely date back to the Giao Chi period.

The unique feature of these two ancient boats is their large scale. "At first, we imagined the merchant boat to be small, shallow and structured as people would call it, but now with this structure, each side is calculated to be 16 m and the current width is from 1.95 to about 2 m," Dr. Trieu shared.

In addition, the two ancient boats have a very solid structure. However, the historical and cultural significance of these two boats cannot be determined yet because we are still waiting for the results of Carbon-14 analysis and other related studies.

According to historical sources, Western and Southern countries wanting to trade and communicate with China had to follow the Giao Chi route.

Two ancient boats discovered in Bac Ninh possibly date back to the Giao Chi period - 4 — The boat's age is unknown.

From before the Christian era and especially from the 2nd - 3rd century AD onwards, more and more foreign merchants came to trade in Giao Chau and their merchant ships were often present in Luy Lau.

Material evidence and documents in Luy Lau have confirmed that this place was truly a large commercial center - an international port city of our country during the Northern domination period.

"We have not yet determined the age of this boat, but it could be the most authentic evidence to prove the commercial nature of the Dau River," Dr. Trieu affirmed.

Dr. Vu The Long, a multidisciplinary researcher with many contributions to society, especially in the field of archaeological conservation, shared that the discovery of the two boats is a valuable research opportunity on the history of trade and the living environment of the area. This is also an important evidence showing the role of waterway transport in economic and social development in ancient times, which needs to be protected right from the beginning in terms of preservation and methodical in handling.

According to Mr. Long, a field workshop should be organized soon for evaluation. However, first of all, the boat needs to be preserved in the best conditions, avoiding damage due to weather or external influences. In particular, attention should be paid to humidity and chemical factors affecting the materials. In-depth research should be quickly conducted to determine the type, age, and historical value of the boat.

Artifacts were brought back for research and sample analysis.

Many historians and researchers come here to learn about the two ancient boats.

In December 2024, people discovered the remains of an ancient boat during the process of land reclamation and digging a fish pond. The location of the discovery of the ancient boat is on the Dau River, a branch of the Thien Duc River - Duong River, close to the western bank of Luy Lau Citadel.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province Vuong Quoc Tuan has assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate with the Institute of Archaeology under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences to carry out urgent excavation of the relics of two ancient boats from March 3 to April 3, 2025, with an excavation area of 300 square meters.

TH (according to Vietnamnet)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/hai-chiec-thuyen-co-phat-hien-o-bac-ninh-kha-nang-co-tu-thoi-giao-chi-407932.html