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Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Photo: VNN) |
“While digging the foundations for the access roads to the Imperial Citadel, we unexpectedly encountered the remains of a well-preserved ancient boat along with a broken paddle“, Associate Professor Tong Trung Tin, in charge of the excavation site at 18 Hoang Dieu, announced on the afternoon of January 16.
The ancient boat has become one of the first artifacts displayed at this outdoor location. Observers are amazed at the sight of the blackened wooden boat, tilted at a 45-degree angle (half of it still submerged in the ground), with the exposed part measuring approximately 1.5 meters in length and 1 meter in width. The question arises: why is there a boat here in the Imperial Citadel?
Mr. Tin explained that the location of the boat corresponds to the edge of an ancient river that flowed through the area of the Imperial Citadel. “This river was quite wide, and along its banks, we have also discovered traces of wooden logs, which served as a ‘transportation route’ between the ancient palaces, as well as a drainage area. This coincides with details recorded in historical texts, indicating that during the Tran Dynasty, there were years when the Imperial Citadel was flooded, and a member of the royal family even traveled by boat to reach the palaces…” (*)
According to Mr. Tin, in terms of dating, this boat sank during the Later Le period. Numerous ceramic artifacts from this era have been found around it, along with a piece of a painted paddle… Clearly, navigation on the ancient river continued until the 17th century before it ceased.
Since this is a wooden artifact and the cost of preservation is quite high, Vietnamese experts lack experience in preserving such items, prompting the need to invite specialists from Japan.
“We will temporarily cover it with sand to continue the work on the access bridge above. However, due to the uniqueness of this artifact, which serves as a vivid and fascinating testament to life in the ancient Imperial Citadel, we will display it on-site by placing a life-sized (1:1 scale) photo of the boat in its original position, then enclosing it in a glass case and illuminating it from below for visitors to view, ensuring it feels just like observing the actual artifact!”, Mr. Tin stated.
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(*) According to the Complete Annals of Dai Viet, in 1236, Tran Lieu, during a flood, entered the palace by boat, where he encountered a palace lady and committed an act of sexual assault. The court officials condemned him, resulting in his demotion to Hoai Prince.
