The 450ha site, covering Ba The mountain and Oc Eo field, was first discovered and excavated by French archaeologists in 1942. — Photo baoangiang

AN GIANG  (VNS) — The Oc Eo-Ba The archeological site in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta province of An Giang has been recognised as a special national relic.

The 450ha site, covering Ba The mountain and Oc Eo field, was first discovered and excavated by French archaeologists in 1942.

The artefacts found at the site include remnants of pottery, tools, vases, jewelry, coins and religious statues.

According to archaeologists, the items prove that Oc Eo occupied large areas of present-day southern Viet Nam and Cambodia between the first and seventh centuries. It was a busy centre of trade with sea links reaching as far as Italy, Iran, and India.

Many of the artefacts are on exhibition at the Vietnamese History Museum in HCM City. — VNS