Artifacts dating back to the 16th century were found during a trial excavation at the relic of Thi Nai - Nuoc Man commercial port in the central province of Binh Dinh.
Archaelogists said at a press briefing in the province’s Quy Nhon City on July 22 that despite the small scale of the excavation, they found traces of pillar foundations and other architectural works, along with a large amount of artifacts, ranging from architectural items, ceramic objects and coins.
The architectural vestiges were believed to date back to the 18 th -19 th century, while the artifacts were of different periods from the 16 th century up to the 20 th century.
Bui Van Hieu from the Viet Nam Archaeology Institute said the large amount of ceramic items dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China and Hizen porcelain of Japan are evidence that the port used to be a big commercial centre.
Archaeologists said the port, first called Thi Nai and then changed to Nuoc Man, held a very important role in the economic development of the province as well as the region, adding that further excavations are needed to seek insights into the trading and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and other countries through sea routes on the East Sea.