Preliminary results of an archaeological excavation at Chap Khe, Vang Danh ward, Uong Bi, were announced on 18/1 by the Quang Ninh Provincial Museum – Library. This significant discovery sheds light on the region's history.

The tomb, situated on a high mound, was accidentally uncovered by residents during land leveling. In 12/2025, an archaeological team led by Doctor Nguyen Van Anh from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, began the excavation.

At a depth of 2,5 m, archaeologists discovered a massive structure comprising two front chambers, one central chamber, and three rear chambers. The entire tomb was constructed using high-fired rectangular bricks, featuring a vaulted roof shaped like pomelo segments. The brick surfaces are adorned with intricate patterns, including coins, lozenges, concentric circles, and S-shapes, all characteristic symbols of early Common Era art.

The tomb's structure, along with artifacts such as glazed ceramics and terracotta items like house models, lamp stands, and ancient jars, allowed the archaeological team to date the site to the 1st-2nd century CE, nearly 2,000 years ago.

Experts indicate that this type of burial tomb is densely concentrated along the Bach Dang river basin, stretching from Quang Yen and Uong Bi to Thuy Nguyen and Kinh Mon. This concentration suggests that the area served as a bustling cultural center, administrative hub, and residential region two millennia ago.

The Quang Ninh Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with local authorities, plans further research to fully understand the monument's structure, scale, and age. They will prepare a scientific dossier for the monument to propose its classification, implement an on-site preservation plan to maintain its original state, and develop the area into an archaeological park. This initiative aims to support cultural preservation and heritage education, integrating these efforts with the local cultural and tourism development.

In a related development in Hai Phong, the Con Son - Kiep Bac Relic Management Board also discovered several large wooden stakes within the grounds of Kiep Bac Temple. Scientists are currently excavating and conducting tests to determine their age.

Le Tan