Archaeologists have unearthed an important pre-Dong Son settlement in northern Vietnam. The find at the Vuon Chuoi Archaeological Site, situated in Lai Xa Hamlet, Kim Chung Commune, Hoai Duc District, Hanoi, is estimated to be nearly 3,000 years old, dating back to the Bronze Age. This excavation, led by researchers from the Institute of Archaeology, offers insights into an organised society that flourished in Northern Vietnam before the emergence of the renowned Dong Son culture.
The research team, led by Dr Nguyen Ngoc Quy from the Institute of Archaeology, excavated a 6,000-square-meter area on the western side of the Vuon Chuoi site. They dug numerous 100-square-meter pits, uncovering significant preliminary findings. Dr Quy noted, “The initial discoveries indicate a settlement area from the pre-Dong Son period.” The site is located at the highest point of the Vuon Chuoi mound, characterised by a basin-like structure where the outer edges rise approximately 0.5 meters above the centre. It seems that ancient inhabitants utilised both the natural elevation and the lower terrain to establish their settlement, which was encircled by a protective moat roughly 10 meters wide and 2.5 to 3 meters deep.
The settlement’s construction materials were identified as yellow-brown clay, likely obtained from nearby natural mounds. The area exhibits signs of various pre-Dong Son cultural phases, with burial sites found along the outer slopes. Notably, the northwest corner of the site revealed a dense necropolis containing burials from at least two overlapping time periods. These discoveries are considered crucial for understanding the organisation and social structure of ancient communities in Northern Vietnam.
Dr Quy remarked, “These findings offer valuable insights into how ancient communities organised their living spaces to tackle challenges from both natural and social environments. The scale of construction at this site suggests a well-structured society with a significant division of labor.” The discoveries indicate that the ancient inhabitants of Vuon Chuoi were capable of creating a large, intricate settlement while establishing a protective perimeter, demonstrating their ability to adapt to the landscape and safeguard their community.
Despite the successful excavation, preservation efforts at the Vuon Chuoi site have progressed slowly. Since 2019, the Institute of Archaeology and other organisations have been submitting documentation to secure the site’s protection. Currently, only the eastern portion has been designated as a heritage site, while Vuon Chuoi has not received the same level of recognition as other significant sites, like the Dong Dau site, which is classified as a Special National Monument.
This delay in official recognition has frustrated archaeologists, many of whom are questioning the reasons behind the holdup. A representative from the Hanoi Museum stated that the Heritage Management Department is working closely with the Cultural Department of Hoai Duc District to expedite the process of classifying Vuon Chuoi as a recognised archaeological site. “We are dedicated to collaborating with scientists and relevant city authorities to speed up both the excavation and preservation efforts at Vuon Chuoi,” said the Chairman of the Hoai Duc People’s Committee. Given its considerable importance to Vietnam’s archaeological record, preserving the Vuon Chuoi site is vital for future research on the country’s ancient history. As the excavation nears completion, there is optimism that official recognition will be granted soon, ensuring the site’s protection.
