Excavation conducted at Binh Dinh’s old commercial port

Artifacts dating back to the 16^th century were found during a trial excavation at the relic of Thi Nai – Nuoc Man commercial port in the central province of Binh Dinh.

A view of the Thi Nai commercial port. (Source: the National History Museum)

Archaeologists 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 Vietnam 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.