Illustrative image (Photo: Archeology Institute)Thua Thien – Hue (VNA) - Scientists and researchers have announceda new series of findings of Phu Xuan, the ancient historical capitalof the Nguyen Lords and Tay Son Dynasty, in the present-day central province ofThua Thien-Hue.
The announcement was made at a conference held in the province by theprovincial Historical Science Association on October 18.
Among 25 studies sent to the conference, 15 were presented with new informationabout Phu Xuan.
The new findings are about palaces and people in the past related to the roleof Phu Xuan in politics, economy and culture.
Researchers and participants at the conference also discussed Phu Xuan asa capital under the reign of the Nguyen Lords (1600-1802) and Tay SonDynasty (1786-1802).
New documents about the role of the ancient capital have been announcedfocusing on the Nguyen Lords and Tay Son Dynasty’s process of founding andprotecting national sovereignty, territory, sea and islands, fighting againstforeign invaders and national reunification.
The studies revealed Phu Xuan in the 17th century was a place for producingcannons using Portuguese technology through technician João Da Cruz.
Under the Nguyen Lords and Tay Son Dynasty, the capital was the centre forproducing the local hoa ho (tiger fire), a type of explosive.
It was also home to modern and Western-style watch manufacturing and repairingthrough a workshop of Nguyen Van Tu, who brought the new technology afterstudying abroad in the Netherlands.
In addition, at the conference, researchers announced information about theintangible cultural values featuring the characteristics of Phu Xuan that needto be preserved and promoted.
Nguyen Anh Huy presented his findings on Phu Ao, the summer palace ofthe Nguyen Dynasty, now located near the lake area on Mac Dinh Chi Road,Hue city’s Phu Cat district. The findings contain historical information thatneeds to be archaeologically explored.
Researcher Tran Viet Dien also presented new findings about Tien Ducpalace located in the area of the International Training Centre of HueUniversity at No 4 Le Loi street and the Information Technology Centre at No 6,Le Loi street.
One issue that attracted attention from participants was whether or not KingQuang Trung’s Dan Duong and Dan Lang palaces were close to Thien Lam Pagoda onwhich the Vietnam Historical Science Association and the Archaeology Institutehave previously conducted some archaeological explorations.
“Phu Xuan is the bridge connecting from north to south and it is spirituallyregarded as the connection of the lifespan of the country from the past topresent, from the royal wisdom to folklore culture, from the national culturaltradition to the current human civilisation. Without Phu Xuan, there would beno national territory like ours today because from Thuan Hoa, the Nguyen Lordshad the powerful force enough to successfully complete their Southernannexation”, researchers Thai Quang Trung and Le Thi Hoai Thanh reported.
Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's CommitteePhan Thien Dinh appreciated the researchers and their studies.
He said he hoped delegates and scientists would continue to do theirresearch to objectively assess the history of the area.
“This will be a proper foundation for planning and implementation conservationand development policies for the present and the future of Thua Thien-Hue province,”said Dinh./.
The announcement was made at a conference held in the province by theprovincial Historical Science Association on October 18.
Among 25 studies sent to the conference, 15 were presented with new informationabout Phu Xuan.
The new findings are about palaces and people in the past related to the roleof Phu Xuan in politics, economy and culture.
Researchers and participants at the conference also discussed Phu Xuan asa capital under the reign of the Nguyen Lords (1600-1802) and Tay SonDynasty (1786-1802).
New documents about the role of the ancient capital have been announcedfocusing on the Nguyen Lords and Tay Son Dynasty’s process of founding andprotecting national sovereignty, territory, sea and islands, fighting againstforeign invaders and national reunification.
The studies revealed Phu Xuan in the 17th century was a place for producingcannons using Portuguese technology through technician João Da Cruz.
Under the Nguyen Lords and Tay Son Dynasty, the capital was the centre forproducing the local hoa ho (tiger fire), a type of explosive.
It was also home to modern and Western-style watch manufacturing and repairingthrough a workshop of Nguyen Van Tu, who brought the new technology afterstudying abroad in the Netherlands.
In addition, at the conference, researchers announced information about theintangible cultural values featuring the characteristics of Phu Xuan that needto be preserved and promoted.
Nguyen Anh Huy presented his findings on Phu Ao, the summer palace ofthe Nguyen Dynasty, now located near the lake area on Mac Dinh Chi Road,Hue city’s Phu Cat district. The findings contain historical information thatneeds to be archaeologically explored.
Researcher Tran Viet Dien also presented new findings about Tien Ducpalace located in the area of the International Training Centre of HueUniversity at No 4 Le Loi street and the Information Technology Centre at No 6,Le Loi street.
One issue that attracted attention from participants was whether or not KingQuang Trung’s Dan Duong and Dan Lang palaces were close to Thien Lam Pagoda onwhich the Vietnam Historical Science Association and the Archaeology Institutehave previously conducted some archaeological explorations.
“Phu Xuan is the bridge connecting from north to south and it is spirituallyregarded as the connection of the lifespan of the country from the past topresent, from the royal wisdom to folklore culture, from the national culturaltradition to the current human civilisation. Without Phu Xuan, there would beno national territory like ours today because from Thuan Hoa, the Nguyen Lordshad the powerful force enough to successfully complete their Southernannexation”, researchers Thai Quang Trung and Le Thi Hoai Thanh reported.
Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's CommitteePhan Thien Dinh appreciated the researchers and their studies.
He said he hoped delegates and scientists would continue to do theirresearch to objectively assess the history of the area.
“This will be a proper foundation for planning and implementation conservationand development policies for the present and the future of Thua Thien-Hue province,”said Dinh./.
VNA
