Published:  00:00 Wednesday - February 10, 2010

A project to excavate the central remains of the former Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu, in the northern province of Ninh Binh, has started in an effort to estimate and preserve the historical value of a site that was host to the capital of the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties for 42 years ending in 1010.

Archaeologists previously studied an area of 500sq.m and discovered a variety of valuable objects related to the three dynasties. The excavation will take place simultaneously with the display of any recovered artefacts to the public.

The project was launched under the auspices of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Museum of History.