In what seems to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, an ancient road has been discovered in the Hoabinhian site of the Xom Trai Cave dating back to 8,000 – 9,000 years. Sadly, the story on VietNamNet doesn’t display any images of the road, but it indicates the presence of worn-out stones. Remains of an older nearby route, possibly related to the road find, dates even further back.
Ancient road found in cave
VietnamNet Bridge, 26 November 2008
Scientists from the Centre for Southeast Asian Prehistory recently made the discovery during an on-going preservation project at the site.
“This is the first discovery of such an ancient road in the Southeast Asian region and a rare discovery in the world,” Nguyen Viet, PhD, centre director told Viet Nam News.
The Xom Trai Cave represents a typical residence of the Hoa Binh civilisation (from 34,100 years ago until 2,000 BC) in the ancient Muong Vang region, which is today’s Tan Lap Commune, Lac Son District in Hoa Binh Province.
Exciting news, and maybe the first of many such discoveries.
Yes, it’s quite a remarkable find – makes you wonder if this was a one-off thing, or many other prehistoric sites typically had “roads” built there.