Valuable relics recently discovered in the Vu Lam royal step-over place on display. — Photo baoninhbinh.org.vn

NINH BINH (VNS) — Archeologists from the Viet Nam Institute of Archaeology have discovered numerous valuable relics in the Vu Lam royal step-over place, located within the Trang An scenic landscape complex.

The discovery includes clay for pottery, trees submerged in black mud, earth road and stones for road embankment or for building river wharfs.

In addition, the experts have also collected more than 5,000 broken pieces of surfaces and 940 pieces of various relics such as enamel pottery, crockery or rice that has turned into coal. They said the site might have been the place for making enamel pottery during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400).

The finds in the Vu Lam royal step-over place, an important area with military vestiges that contain many undiscovered mysteries, will contribute to explaining why the Tran Dynasty was able to defeat large and powerful Yuan-Mongol invaders thrice with limited military forces. It will also be an important foundation in researching, preserving and promoting the cultural and historical value of Trang An natural and cultural world heritage.

According to historical documents, the Vu Lam royal step-over place used to be the military base of the Tran Dynasty during the resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol invaders in the 13th century. It was also the place where King Tran Thai Tong (1218-1277) and King Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) abdicated the throne to become Buddhist monks. — VNS