An 11th century altar, believed to be significant in the Ly Dynasty period of Vietnam, was unearthed during the construction of an underground car park. The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences has written to the Prime Minister to intervene.
Social scientists ask Vietnam’s PM to protect ancient altar
Thanh Nien News, 26 November 2014
The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences asked the prime minister to preserve an 11th century holy site that was unearthed during the construction of a new government center.
The academy issued their appeal on November 10, but their request only became public last week.
The social scientists said the construction of the new National Assembly building and Ba Dinh Hall has encroached upon a site that was considered very holy during the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225).
They said the relic consists of an altar made of wood and stone.
The altar allegedly served as the place where the Ly emperors prayed to God and the Earth and received instructions about how to protect the country.
Full story here.
Amazing! I hope they preserve it for the future. Vietnam has many temples, but these royal altars are unusual in Vietnam. There must be a way to incorporate it, in a state of preservation, into the new government buildings. These days, Vietnam is very keen to keep its heritage and maintain a true national identity.