Archaeologists discover Cham relics, prayer rooms at construction site in Vietnam

Archaeologists unearth Cham relics at the Trien Tranh area. Photo courtesy of the Institute of Archaeology

Archaeologists said they have discovered Cham relics and structures dating back to the 9th century during site clearance work for a highway project in the central province of Quang Nam.

Dr. Le Dinh Phung, a senior official of the Institute of Archaeology, said they have unearthed 20 pits along the construction site of Da Nang-Quang Ngai Highway since January this year.

The unearthed site covers an area of 2,000 square meters.

A number of structures have been found, including a 60-meter-long wall system and box-like structures believed to be rooms in which Brahman monks gathered to pray and perform religious rituals.

Archaeologists also discovered bricks, tiles, Cham terra-cotta relics and ceramic items of various origins.

They have named the area Trien Tranh. Excavation work in the area will continue on more than 1,000 square meters in the coming time.

They said the discovery of the Trien Tranh area will shed some light on the Cham historical and cultural issues they are researching on.

Archaeologists discover Cham relics, prayer rooms at construction site in Vietnam Related image(s)