Hoa Lu ancient citadel walls discovered in Ninh Binh

Archaeologists in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, have uncovered significant remains of the ancient Hoa Lu citadel walls during an excavation in December 2024. The discovery occurred after a resident's construction work accidentally exposed red brick layers suspected to be part of the historic fortification.

Researchers from the Institute of Archaeology excavated three pits, revealing a five-layer structure. The foundation includes ironwood piles reaching a depth of 3.46 meters, layered with grey clay and debris used to prevent subsidence and slipping in the low-lying, marshy terrain.

Findings include grey bricks dating to the 8th-9th centuries, some inscribed with ‘Giang Tay Quan’ or ‘Giang Tay Chuyen’, and red bricks used for capital construction dating to the 10th century. The Ninh Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that this excavation confirms the consistent construction techniques used for the Hoa Lu citadel walls during the 10th century.