Japanese research team conducts field survey at Thanh Loi relic site

The team of experts conducted a field survey. Photo: Faculty of History, University of Sciences, Hue University

On August 14, a representative from the Faculty of History announced that the unit is working with the experts from Japan on a field survey at the Thanh Loi relic site. This is a continuation of a previous research cooperation program between the two sides.

Accordingly, the experts from Japan are staff and lecturers from Rikkyo University (Tokyo), Tokyo Archaeological Research Institute, Waseda University (Tokyo), Kyushu University (Fukuoka), and Kashihara Archaeological Institute.

The field survey is expected to last for nearly a week. The team will focus on a detailed survey of the Thanh Loi relic, creating a map of the walls and a digital elevation model to reflect the surrounding terrain. They will also use modern methods like magnetism and GIS geodesy to map the structure of the ramparts. Following the survey, the Japanese experts will take some Champa brick samples, which was collected during previous excavations and being preserved, to Japan for in-depth magnetic analysis.

According to the representative from the Faculty of History, the results of this field research and survey will be shared widely through interdisciplinary international seminars and workshops on the Thanh Loi relic and Champa cultural heritage in the near future. The findings are expected to not only enhance academic value, but also play a crucial role in raising community awareness, and in the preservation of local cultural heritage.

According to the experts, Thanh Loi was a Champa’s fortress located on Long Tho Hill. The fortress is square-shaped, with a perimeter of about 2 km and a closed four-sided structure, with ramparts aligned in the directions of West - South - East - North. The Thanh Loi’s size is relatively large, solidly built, and strategically utilized the natural terrain (with the Huong River acting as a defensive moat) to create a strong defensive structure. Thanh Loi was recognized as a National Relic Site in 2015.