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| A delegation of experts and researchers surveying Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic site |
The expansion of the excavation at the Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic site has been supported by experts and researchers. The information uncovered beneath the layers of ancient bricks serves as crucial evidence for determining the original structure, nature, characteristics, and age of the relic.
Many details about the North and South towers have come to light
After more than 5 weeks of tireless excavation under the scorching sun and unseasonal downpours of Hue, the second phase of the underground historical journey at Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic site has come to an end. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chat, an official from the Vietnam National Museum of History and the lead archaeologist of the excavation, along with his colleagues, breathed a sigh of relief because they had never faced such harsh weather conditions before.
In return, the excavation team uncovered a wealth of valuable information. During this second phase, experts opened 2 excavation pits totaling 60 square meters, in which, one pit located to the east of the North Tower was done to clarify the vestibule and entrance pathway; while the other, to the north and east of the South Tower, to determine its scale, structural layout, and entrance. Additionally, two exploratory pits measuring 6 square meters were also opened, one to the north of the North Tower and one to the south of the South Tower.
The excavation results revealed that similar to the North Tower, the surface soil of the South Tower had been heavily disturbed. Numerous modern artifacts, such as bricks, tiles, incense burners, lime pots, and lamps, were found. These are likely due to local farming activities and worship practices around the tower. Over time, vegetation encroachment contributed to the formation of a raised mound in the center, gradually sloping down toward the north and west sides of the tower. After clearing the site and excavating to depths ranging from 97 cm to 298 cm, the stratigraphy of the relic was exposed, revealing four distinct layers being the natural yellow alluvial clay base.
According to Mr. Chat, the stratigraphic evidence once again confirms that the Lieu Coc Twin Towers were built on an alluvial mound formed by Bo River, situated 3.7 to 4 meters above sea level. Before the construction, the ancients added more alluvial soil to level the ground, then compacted it with a layer of laterite and brick powder, ranging from 5 to 12 centimeter thick, to reinforce the foundation base of the towers. The stratigraphy also indicates that the ground levels beneath the North and South towers are nearly identical, suggesting that both structures were built around the same time, with any difference in construction timing is likely minimal.
The excavation needs to be further expanded
The excavation process yielded 9,380 specimens and artifact fragments, primarily consisting of architectural materials, decorative elements, fragments of steles, glazed ceramics, stoneware, terracotta items, and bronze fragments.
Notably, there were stele fragments made from gray-yellow and bluish-gray sandstone with polished surfaces and engraved Sanskrit inscriptions. Based on the color and granular structure of the stone, it is possible to identify at least there are 2 inscribed steles, or 1 stele and one inscribed architectural component, dating back to the early 10th century.
In addition, several stone fragments likely originated from a Yoni pedestal; 2 lime jars dating from the 17th -18th centuries; Vietnamese glazed ceramics (spanning the 14th to 19th centuries); and Chinese porcelain (10th-19th centuries), etc., were also found. From both excavation phases, it can be affirmed that Lieu Coc Twin Towers is the only known site in Vietnam, and possibly in the world, featuring 2 primary worship towers, whereas typical Cham temple complexes usually have either 1 or 3 main sanctuaries.
The excavation team also observed that in this second phase, the stratigraphic structure revealed that there is almost no elevation difference between the North and South towers. However, the South Tower was built on a slightly larger scale (over 0.4 meters) and shifted approximately 0.2 meters to the east compared to the North Tower.
Furthermore, when comparing the decorative elements on the walls of both towers, clear differences emerge in the craftsmanship of columns, wall pilasters, and false door frames. The South Tower features more elaborate and refined grooves and carvings than the North Tower.
Based on this evidence, it is likely that the two towers were not constructed at the same time. There is an estimated time gap of about 10 to 20 years between them, with the North Tower built earlier, around the late 9th century, and the South Tower constructed slightly later, in the late 9th to early 10th century, aligning with the style of the Sanskrit inscriptions found on the stele fragments.
Despite many new discoveries, the archaeological team noted that the total excavation area from both phases amounts to only 150 square meters, just over 6% of the site’s planned area of 2,428 square meters. As a result, many questions remain unanswered, and it is still not possible to fully identify the site's history, layout, spatial organization, and overall character. “We recommend expanding the excavation area to obtain a comprehensive and complete understanding of the overall layout of Lieu Coc Temple Tower,” Mr. Chat proposed.
Meanwhile, following their on-site survey of Lieu Coc Twin Towers, experts and researchers emphasized the need to promptly initiate studies and develop a project to construct protective roofing for the two main towers. They also recommended doing research and taking conservation efforts for the brick tower structures, along with creating a proper landscape for the heritage site. In addition, the majority expressed support for the proposal to continue excavating this important site.
According to Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of Hue City Department of Culture and Sports, the excavation area from both phases accounts for only a small portion of the total area of Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic site. Therefore, the department will seek approval to continue expanding the excavation to clarify unresolved questions. At the same time, a conservation plan will be developed to preserve and promote the value of the site.