(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Tingxuan, special report from Hanoi on the 30th) The ancient Luocheng ruins on the outskirts of Hanoi have a history of more than 2,000 years. It is Vietnam’s oldest defensive capital and important physical evidence of Dong Son culture, which is deeply integrated into the beliefs of local residents. The government is now making full preparations to apply for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Residents told CNA that they are proud of the history of this ancient city.
Vietnam News Network reported on the 14th that the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center recently held a seminar in cooperation with the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, inviting historical and cultural experts and scholars to prepare for the submission of the Cổ Loa Citadel site to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
Located about 30 kilometers north of the capital Hanoi, Guluo City was built around the 3rd century BC and was the capital of the Kingdom of Ou Lạc (Âu Lạc, also known as Ou Luo) in Vietnamese history. In 938, Wu Quan ended the millennium of direct rule in the Central Plains since the Western Han Dynasty and established an independent Vietnamese regime. His capital was also chosen here.
A reporter from Central News Agency visited Guluo City on the 22nd and found that some areas were under repair. It was drizzling that day, which added to the poetry of this ancient capital full of history and stories. The Guluo ruins complex includes archaeological sites, fortifications and historical architectural monuments, with a designated protected area of more than 800 hectares. It is the oldest and largest defensive capital in Vietnam.
Local tour guide Nguyễn Thanh Tùng told the Central News Agency that Guluo City was the first capital of the second dynasty in Vietnamese history. The first king at that time was called An Dương Vương. Although the original appearance may no longer exist today, there are still many temples and Buddhist temples rebuilt hundreds of years ago for worship.
Judging from the remains, the ancient city originally had at least three layers of rammed earth walls, which were combined with tall earth walls and interconnected water canal moats. They had both defense and water transportation functions, reflecting the superb construction technology and centralized organizational capabilities of the time. The ancient city also got its name from the spiral-shaped city wall from the inside out.
Nguyễn Thanh Quang, director of the Heritage Protection Center, said at the seminar that ancient snails are not only military fortresses, capitals and ancient settlements, but also demonstrate the interrelationship between human settlements, production activities and the natural environment, and also mark the improvement of social authority and class differentiation.
Nguyen Thanh Quang said: "The ancient snail is an important physical evidence of the formation of the early Dongshan Culture state, reflecting the integration of metallurgical technology, rice cultivation, water transportation, military technology and social organization."
The Dong Son Culture (Đông Sơn) is a prehistoric culture that originated in the Red River region of northern Vietnam during the Iron Age. It flourished from 700 BC to 2 BC, and its area of influence expanded to Southeast Asia and even the Indo-Malaya Islands.
Guluo City was rated as a special national relic by the government in 2012. The city still retains Anyang Wang Temple, Baoshan Temple, and Am Mị Châu (Am Mị Châu), which commemorates Princess Anyang who became a victim of politics and love.
In addition, the city preserves the space where people have lived and conducted religious activities for more than two thousand years. Ancient city gates and historic sites are scattered among the houses.
A resident aunt who has been a volunteer at Caolu General Temple for more than 20 years told CNA that the government is applying for UNESCO certification, and that the whole area may be demolished by then.
However, she said to the residents nearby: "We think it's totally fine. If it really needs to be demolished and moved out, the aunts will be ready at any time, so we don't have to worry about compensation. After all, the country is in need, and we should cooperate and make some sacrifices."
Officials from Anyang Wang Temple wearing traditional costumes told the Central News Agency that one of the characteristics of Guluo City is the festival that has continued for thousands of years. Every year on the sixth day of the first lunar month, a grand temple fair is held to commemorate King Anyang's move into the Forbidden Palace in Guluo City.
He said that this is a historic site with a long history that has long been integrated into the blood of the residents of Guluo Village. There is even a local proverb: "I would rather abandon my descendants than miss the festival on the sixth day of the first lunar month."
When it comes to applying for a World Heritage Site, he said: "This is a very happy thing for all the people, because it means that our monuments have been known all over the world. It is a historical proof, a historical site of special significance that has been classified long ago, and is unique. If it can be certified as a world-class heritage site by UNESCO, it will not only make people feel extremely happy, but also a result that will definitely be achieved."
Ancient Loch City is not only a relic of Vietnam’s prehistoric civilization, but also tells a legend that embodies national pride. Nguyen Thanh Song said: "Although we are just a small country that started from the war, we are very proud because we have a long history of more than 3,000 years. It does not mean that we are better than others, but whenever we go to other modern and progressive countries and look back at ourselves, we don't have to feel ashamed at all. We are proud to be Vietnamese because we have our own potential."
He said: "If Co Luo City can be certified by UNESCO, it will be great news for the Vietnamese. After people come to Vietnam, they will not only know that Halong Bay is a World Heritage certified by the United Nations, but also know Co Luo City. Co Luo City represents human cultural heritage, while Halong Bay is a natural heritage. This is really great and will be good news for us." (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150830
