Archaeologists have made significant finds after conducting more than 400 excavations last year, said experts from the Viet Nam Institute of Archaeology at a conference in Ha Noi. Following excavation work at the Dong Trong I and II grottoes in the northern province of Quang Ninh, archaeologists said that this was the tomb of Stone Age humans belonging to the Ha Long culture (3,000-4,000 years ago). Meanwhile, bronze work excavated at Go Bong in the midland province of Phu Tho has shed light on the Phung Nguyen culture (about 3,500-4,000 years ago).
     Last year, a major dig at the Co Loa's Thuong Temple on the outskirts of Ha Noi revealed that it was a major centre of activity during the An Duong Vuong and Ngo Quyen dynasties. Much of the metalwork for Co Loa Citadel (built in the year 257 BC) was also made there. Together with the US's Illinois University, excavation work at Luy Hao-Thanh Trung revealed that the Co Loa Citadel was the site of an earlier structure, and that it had subsequently be enlarged four times.
     A downside of recent archaeological work is that it has spawned numerous fake artefacts, particularly in Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) and Me Linh District (Ha Noi), according to Tong Trung Tin, the institute's director.
     The institute celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. In November and December, Viet Nam will host the 19th conference of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, estimated to attract 400 archaeologists from around the world.

Source: Vietnam News (3 October 2008)