DA NANG (VNS)— Further excavations on the eastern wall of Tra Kieu Citadel, in central Quang Nam Province, are expected to reveal more information of the former Champa Kingdom (4th-11th century).

The former imperial capital, near Hoi An in Duy Xuyen District, was also known in Champa Language as Simhapura (the Lion Citadel).

It was discovered by the French in 1927 and excavated again in 1985 and early this year.

The most recent work was carried out by archaeologists from the Institute of Southern Region Social Sciences and Japanese PhD Yamagate Mariko from Showa Women's University.

Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism deputy director Ho Xuan Tinh said on Friday the new dig would take place from August 1-30.

The citadel is expected to become a tourist attraction once fully excavated.-VNS