A groundbreaking discovery has recently come to light in Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam, as archaeological excavations revealed skeletal remains dating back 10,000 years. This revelation marks the first of its kind in the Southeast Asian country and provides valuable insights into the region's ancient history. The findings, which include human remains, stone tools, and other artifacts, shed light on the cultural heritage and lifestyles of Vietnam's early inhabitants.

In March, during an excavation conducted by the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology at the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex in Kim Bang District, three graves were unearthed, each containing the remains of both children and adults. What sets this discovery apart is that these individuals were interred in a distinctive kneeling position, a significant aspect of the findings. Mai Thanh Chung, director of the Ha Nam Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, remarked that this marked the first discovery of human remains dating back 10,000 years in Vietnam.

Human remains found in Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex in Kim Bang District of Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam, March 2023. Photo: Vietnam Institute of Archaeology

Alongside the human remains, archaeologists also uncovered mollusk shells and the teeth of small animals, suggesting that these resources likely served as a source of sustenance for the ancient inhabitants. This insight into their diet offers a glimpse into the daily lives and dietary habits of these early Vietnamese residents.

The Stone Tools and Cultural Significance

Notably, the stone tools discovered at the excavation site are attributed to the Hoa Binh culture, which dates back to 15,000 years ago, extending to 2,000 years BC in northern Vietnam. These tools offer a window into the technology and craftsmanship of this ancient culture, shedding light on their daily activities, including hunting and tool-making.

An archaeologist from the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology during an excavation in Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex in Kim Bang District of Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam, March 2023. Photo: Vietnam Institute of Archaeology

Further discoveries from the Kim Bang District excavation include animal fossils and fragments of reddish-brown rope pottery, which can be attributed to the Dong Son culture. This culture thrived in ancient Vietnam's Red River valley, located in the country's northern region, from 1000 BC to the first century AD. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the artistic and technological achievements of the people living in the region during this period.

The Tam Chuc Complex and Its Ecological Significance

Within the Tam Chuc complex, archaeologists also came across sea mollusk shells and stream snails, highlighting the rich natural resources available to ancient residents. At the summit of the mountain within the complex, pottery shards were found alongside pieces of mollusks, providing further evidence of the diverse cultural and ecological aspects of the area.

Archaeologists from the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology during an excavation in Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex in Kim Bang District of Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam, March 2023. Photo: Vietnam Institute of Archaeology

Historical Significance

The relics discovered in Kim Bang District span a wide time frame, ranging from the late Pleistocene to the late Holocene era, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, according to the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology. These findings indicate that the district was once a favorable and inhabited area for ancient residents, offering a new perspective on the history and significance of this region.

The discovery of 10,000-year-old human remains and associated artifacts in northern Vietnam is a remarkable achievement in the field of archaeology. It not only sheds light on the cultural heritage and lifestyles of Vietnam's early inhabitants but also underscores the ecological richness of the region. The findings from the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex in Kim Bang District open the door to further research and exploration, enriching our understanding of Vietnam's ancient past and the intricate tapestry of its early civilizations.