Tóm Tắt Tiếng Anh Di Tích Thời Trần Ở Nam Định Qua Tư Liệu Khảo Cổ Học Từ Năm 2006 Đến Năm 2016.Pdf

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES NGUYEN DUC BINH TRẦN DYNASTY SITES IN NAM ĐỊNH PROVINCE THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS FROM 2006 TO 2016 Field

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

NGUYEN DUC BINH

TRẦN DYNASTY SITES IN NAM ĐỊNH PROVINCE THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS FROM 2006 TO 2016

Field: Archaeology Code: 9.22.03.17

DOCTORAL THESIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY

HANOI – 2025

The project has been completed at:

GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Academic Supervisors:

1 Assoc Prof Dr Tong Trung Tin

2 Dr Ha Van Can

Reviewer 1: Prof., Dr Lam Thi My Dung

Reviewer 2: Assoc Prof Dr Bui Van Liem

Reviewer 3: Dr Pham Quoc Quan

The thesis is defended before the Doctoral Thesis Examining Council, meeting at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, 477 Nguyen Trai,

Thanh Xuan, Hanoi At…h…minute, date…month…year 202

The thesis can be found at:

National Library of Vietnam

Library of Graduate Academy of Social Sciences

INTRODUCTION

1 The significance of the Topic

The study of the material cultural remains of the Vietnamese monarchial dynasties is a crucial task in the field of Vietnamese historical archaeology Throughout the history of Vietnam's monarchial regimes, the region of Nam Định has always held an important position, particularly during the Trần Dynasty This area is the birthplace and origin of the Trần family, the site where the Tức Mặc/Thiên Trường temporary palace was built, and it was considered the second capital of Đại Việt during the 13th-14th centuries The Trần Dynasty developed this region into a major center of the country

in all aspects For this reason, Nam Định province has attracted the attention of numerous generations of scholars Although many important achievements have been made in research, there has yet to be a comprehensive and in-depth archaeological study that clarifies the role of Nam Định province in the history of the Trần Dynasty

Historical literary sources indicate that since the establishment of the Trần Dynasty, Nam Định province has been heavily invested in the construction

of numerous architectural projects However, over time and through the various fluctuations of history, these structures no longer remain on the surface

In the past 20 years, archaeological studies have clarified many artistic imprints of the Lý Dynasty capital, Thăng Long, but less is known about Thăng Long during the Trần Dynasty Given that the sites from this period are relatively homogeneous in terms of dating, intensifying the study of Trần-period relics and artifacts in Nam Định will contribute to a better understanding of a significant phase in Vietnamese art history following the

Lý Dynasty Based on this, synthesizing discoveries of Trần-era art across the country may help shed light on the characteristics of Trần art in Nam Định province as well as in Vietnam as a whole

From the material cultural imprints of the Trần Dynasty in Nam Định province, it is possible to compile comparative research materials to explore the history and culture of the Trần period across various aspects, including cultural, social, and historical dimensions, contributing to the understanding

of the history of Nam Định specifically, and the history of the Trần Dynasty

in general

Archaeological research on the Trần period in Nam Định has provided a substantial amount of data However, the materials and published articles are scattered in various places, and there is no consensus on the classification of relics and artifacts Additionally, the sites have not been mapped, making it difficult to visualize a comprehensive picture of Trần-period archaeology in Nam Định

As the researcher directly involved in excavations and the restoration of artifacts at Trần-period archaeological sites in Nam Định during the years 2008-2009, 2016, and 2023, I have had the opportunity to gather materials, engage directly with the sites, and gain an understanding of the relics and artifacts

For the reasons outlined above, I have chosen the topic " Trần dynasty

sites in Nam Định province through archaeological materials from 2006

to 2016" as the subject of my Ph.D thesis

2 Objectives and Research Tasks of the Thesis

The objectives of this thesis are to compile and systematize the available sources of data; to create a map and diagram system; to re-examine and further research to classify the types of relics and artifacts, indicating their nature, characteristics, functions, and dating The thesis will also compare the relics in terms of chronological sequence to identify continuity, development, and innovation Additionally, a synchronic comparison will

be made to highlight similarities and differences, thus pointing out the cultural characteristics and relationships

3 Research Subjects and Scope of the Thesis

The main subject of this thesis is the Trần-period archaeological relics and artifacts in Nam Định province, as well as those from the Lý, Trần, and Hồ Dynasties in other regions The geographical scope covers the province of Nam Định and several other localities The temporal focus is on the Trần Dynasty period (1225–1400), with an extension to include the Lý and Hồ Dynasties The content consists of the relics that have been surveyed, excavated, and explored archaeologically, along with related material

cultural traces or documents

4 Methodology and Research Methods

This thesis applies the theoretical foundation of Dialectical Materialism and Historical Materialism Traditional archaeological research methods are employed, including survey, excavation, exploration, and restoration Interdisciplinary research methods are also used, such as engaging with historical documents, Sino-Nôm texts, cultural studies, and building upon the achievements of previous scholarly work

5 Scientific Contributions of the Thesis

The thesis synthesizes and systematizes the available data sources to provide an overview of the history of the Nam Định region, the history of the Trần Dynasty, and the role of Nam Định province in the Trần Dynasty's history It classifies the types of relics to identify their characteristics, nature, function, and dating The thesis divides the phases of architectural construction based on the results of archaeological excavations to understand the historical development and progression of the relics It also identifies the distinctive features and historical and cultural values of the relics and artifacts

6 Theoretical and Practical Significance of the Thesis

This thesis aims to identify the types of relics, architectural styles, and architectural layers, and clarify the relationship of Trần-period relics in Nam Định province with other regions, as well as with the periods before and after, in order to highlight their historical and cultural characteristics and values

The study provides a comprehensive analysis to demonstrate the factors that contributed to the role of Nam Định during the Trần Dynasty, based on research into its geographical location, the characteristics of its rivers, and the history of the region

By combining written historical sources, the thesis aims to identify the types of relics and architecture, the development process, the understanding

of relics and artifacts, achievements, and the issues that remain

It provides updated, comprehensive, and scientifically accurate information

on the relics, offering suggestions for conservation, restoration, and the

enhancement of cultural values Additionally, it proposes protective measures for the relics to prevent planning or construction activities that may disrupt the site’s landscape, harm the stratigraphy, architecture, and artifacts

7 Structure of the thesis

In addition to the sections at the beginning and end such as: Declaration, Acknowledgements, List of symbols and abbreviations, List of author's published works, List of references and Appendix, the Thesis is divided into

3 chapters as follows:

Chapter 1: The Nam Định region in Trần Dynasty’s histoty

Chapter 2: Types of archaeological sites of the Trần Dynasty in Nam Định province

Chapter 3: Characteristics and Historical-Cultural Value of the Trần Dynasty Archaeological Sites in Nam Định province

CHAPTER 1: THE NAM ĐỊNH REGION IN TRẦN DYNASTY’S

HISTORY 1.1 Overview of the Nam Định Province

1.1.1 Geographical Location and Administrative Divisions Through the Ages

Nam Định, currently a coastal province located in the southeastern part of the Red River Delta, comprises 10 administrative units During the Trần Dynasty, Nam Định province was part of the Thiên Trường and Hoàng Giang regions In Nam Định province, the Trần Dynasty constructed many important architectural projects, making it one of the areas with a dense concentration of Trần cultural traces

1.1.2 Factors Contributing to the Status of Thiên Trường - Nam Định province

The Thiên Trường – Nam Định region is strategically located, making it the site of numerous estates and land holdings, which were important economic and military bases for the dynasty and the country

The rivers in the area facilitated both intra-regional and inter-regional connections, serving as key strategic transportation routes during the three

Mongol-Yuan invasions The Trần Dynasty's palaces and administrative centers were strategically positioned at key locations, guarding vital routes into the capital Thăng Long, particularly the major waterways

In addition, the historical, cultural, and social foundations of the region were also significant factors For the Trần family, as early as the end of the

Lý Dynasty, the Thiên Trường area was linked to many crucial events in the establishment of their political career and military strength This was the birthplace of the Trần family, which rose to power, took control of the capital, and led the nation

1.2 Overview of the Trần Dynasty’S History

The historical context at the end of the Lý Dynasty was a crucial condition for the establishment of the Trần Dynasty In late 1225, Trần Thủ Độ orchestrated the transition of the monarchy by arranging the marriage of Lý Chiêu Hoàng to Trần Cảnh, with her subsequently abdicating the throne in favor of her husband The Lý Dynasty officially fell, and the Trần Dynasty was established The Trần Dynasty not only inherited the achievements left

by the Lý Dynasty but also implemented a series of proactive policies that had significant effects across various fields

1.3 Overview of the Trần Dynasty's Homeland and Construction in Nam Định Through Historical Documents and Inscriptions

Historical documents and inscriptions reveal that in Tức Mặc, the Trần Dynasty established the Tức Mặc temporary Palace and the Tiên Miếu (Royal Ancestral Temple), where King Trần Thái Tông resided in 1231 By

1239, palaces and buildings were constructed In 1262, the Trùng Hoa Palace and Phổ Minh Pagoda were built, and in 1281, a school was established Personal records also mention the presence of other palaces, such as the Đệ Nhất, Đệ Nhị, Đệ Tam, Đệ Tứ, Bảo Nguyên, Hoa Nhai, Văn Miếu, Nội Cung, Nội Khố, and the residences of the officials

Regarding the nature of the site, ancient texts officially refer to it as the Tức Mặc temporary Palace or the Thiên Trường temporary Palace Modern scholars view this palace as the second capital of the Trần Dynasty This interpretation is supported when considering the architectural structure of the palaces, which mirrored the capital of Thăng Long A well-organized

system of palaces and the fact that many critical national matters were decided by the Trần court here further validate that the Tức Mặc – Thiên Trường complex in Nam Định province during the Trần period truly functioned as the second capital of Đại Việt, after Thăng Long

1.4 Archaeological Research on Trần-period Relics in Nam Định

Before 2005, there were 16 surveys and excavations covering an area of approximately 1,130.1 m² Many important architectural remains were discovered in the areas of the Trần Temple, Phổ Minh Pagoda, Đệ Tứ Pagoda, and the Độc Lập site A large quantity of Trần-period artifacts was also uncovered, particularly the "Vĩnh Ninh Trường" bricks and "Thiên Trường Phủ Chế" [Made in Thiên Trường Region] ceramics

After 2005, six additional excavation campaigns were carried out, covering

an area of 4,858.5 m² (more than four times the area surveyed before 2005) Large and significant architectural structures, particularly in the palace area, were discovered, providing valuable data for the study of Trần-period archaeology, ancient architecture, and the Trần Dynasty's palaces

Conclusion of Chapter 1

The Trần Dynasty, established in 1225, gradually stabilized the political and social situation, built a strong military, and achieved victories in defending the territorial integrity of Đại Việt against foreign invasions The Trần Dynasty continued to choose Thăng Long as the capital of the country, while planning Tức Mặc/Thiên Trường to become a major center, serving

as the second capital of Đại Việt during the 13th and 14th centuries Historical documents, inscriptions, and literature not only describe the beauty of the palace landscape but also provide valuable information about the names, dates, and functions of architectural structures Archaeological research has uncovered many important architectural remains and artifacts related to the Thiên Trường temporary palace, estates, palatial residences, and other types of relics, contributing to the initial identification of Trần-period sites in Nam Định

CHAPTER 2: TYPES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF THE

TRẦN DYNASTY IN NAM ĐỊNH PROVINCE

2.1.2 Architectural Remains of the Palaces

2.1.2.1 First Layer of Architecture

Archaeological investigations have uncovered architectural remains from the Trần period located in the deepest layer of the cultural stratum, directly above the virgin soil surface These represent the earliest structures constructed in this area

The First Layer of Architecture has been found in several locations, including: the front, rear, and sides of the Thiên Trường Temple, behind the Trùng Hoa Temple, outside the western wall of the current Trần Temple, and the Nội Cung field area The remains consist of: foundations made of clay; foundation structures made using bricks stacked without any binding material, with some foundations decorated in a "flower pattern" using bricks and tiles; round column bases, primarily made of shards of pottery, and square-shaped bases sometimes made of pebbles, pottery, or fragments

of bricks and tiles Drainage channels are rectangular in cross-section and made from brick, or triangular drains made from a combination of bricks and tiles The discovery of the First Layer of Architecture is clear evidence

of the initial construction phase at Tức Mặc during the early years of the

Trần Dynasty

2.1.2.2 Second Layer of Architecture

The Second Layer of Architecture lies directly on top of the foundation of the First Layer The architectural remains consist of the foundation and six column bases In addition to these, during excavation in 2008-2009 in pit 4

at the Nội Cung field, a semicircular drainage channel, 1.5 meters long, running east to west was discovered Moreover, the Second Layer also revealed architectural remains of two octagonal pavilions in the Nội Cung area

The foundation of the second architectural layer overlies that of the first architectural layer In certain locations, the foundation of the first phase was reused for digging foundation pits In other areas, the foundation layer incorporated debris from the first architectural layer to level and expand the foundation This clearly indicates that these are traces of structures built during the second phase

2.1.2.3 Third Layer of Architecture

The Third Layer of Architecture was discovered in several locations, including:

In Pit 1, 2006, the exposed architectural remains include: a foundation, column bases, a decorative foundation with a "lemon flower-shaped " motif,

a rectangular flower bed, a pebble-paved foundation, a stone embankment, and a water well There are likely two structures, one with circular column bases and another with square column bases

The architectural features uncovered at Pit 2 in 2006 include: three foundation sections, seven column bases aligned in a north-south and east-west orientation, a drainage channel, an octagonal flower basin, a perimeter wall, and a corridor

The architectural features uncovered at Pit 3 in 2006 include: six foundation sections, ten column bases, and four traces of drainage channels

In Pit 3 in 2009, three tile-arrangement features were discovered Additionally, several edge-set bricks placed closely together to form a flat surface were uncovered, likely representing the flooring of a structure The third-phase constructions are primarily concentrated outside the

western boundary wall of the Trần Temple The foundations are also made

of clay mixed with fragments of architectural materials, similar to the expanded sections of the foundation in the second phase The column bases are of two shapes: round and square Evidence of a decorative foundation pattern, known as the "lemon flowe-shapedr" motif, is visible in the form of square diamonds, using a variety of bricks with convex surfaces The drainage system includes circular drains made from specialized pipes, as well as drains made from curved tiles, triangular section drains constructed from brick and tile, and rectangular section drains made from brick Two types were found: square and octagonal

2.1.2.4 Architecture of the Đệ Tứ Palace

The site is located to the east, approximately 1.5 km from the Trần Temple, and was excavated in 1975 and 1976 The remains include: square and rectangular house foundations, paved brick platforms, stone column bases,

a brick-paved courtyard decorated with floral motifs, and areas of the courtyard paved with undecorated square bricks Artifacts found include architectural materials, decorative elements, and domestic items

Furthermore, at the sites identified as the Đệ Nhất, Đệ Nhị, Đệ Tam, and Hoa Nha palaces, although no architectural remains have been discovered, cultural layers from the Trần period have been identified At Vạn Diệp Pagoda, several artifacts and remains from the Trần period were discovered, including a layer of compacted materials that could represent either a pathway or the edge of the foundation of a building Additionally, there were many clusters of bricks, tiles, and ceramic shards in collapsed heaps The artifacts found include architectural materials, decorative elements, glazed ceramics, and traces of ceramic production

2.1.3 Architectural remains of the Phổ Minh Pagoda and Tower

Archaeological findings in this area have been limited In 1974, a section of

a decorative "flower-lemon shaped" patterned foundation was discovered to the west of the site In 1993, through archaeological test pits and drilling, it was revealed that the foundation of the tower was reinforced with two layers of concrete, 0.74 meters thick, covering an area twice as large as the base of the tower In 2005, excavations around the Phổ Minh Pagoda

uncovered collapsed architectural remains, including layers of bricks and tiles arranged in a sequence, as well as numerous architectural decorations (such as dragon figures, lotus leaves), and construction materials (bricks, tiles) found in the cemetery area to the west of the pagoda To the north, a collapsed heap of materials was found, including pebbles, gravel, fragments

of bricks, tiles, ceramics, and glazed pottery, dating from the Northern domination period to the Nguyễn dynasty Currently, the Phổ Minh Pagoda and Tower area preserves several architectural features and elements from the Trần period, including: the Phổ Minh Tower, intricately carved railings, stone dragon figures, and lotus-decorated stone column bases

2.1.4 Remains of the Octagonal Tower

In the Nội Cung field area, the remains of two octagonal-shaped structures were discovered, oriented along an East-West axis The column bases of these structures were built upon a foundation reused from the initial construction phase Each structure consists of 13 column bases, divided into three layers The outermost layer contains 8 column bases, the second layer has 4 column bases, and there is 1 column base at the center

2.1.5 Remains of Water Wells

Two wells have been discovered, one in pit 1 during 2006 excavations to the west of the Trung Hoa Temple, and the other near the Phổ Minh Pagoda

in 1970 Both wells were constructed with ceramic kiln linings

2.1.6 Remains of Rivers (or Lakes)

This type of remains has been found in numerous survey and excavation projects at various locations However, accurately determining the extent of the network of ponds, lakes, and waterways is still lacking sufficient data Additionally, whether these ponds, lakes, and waterways are natural or man-made remains an area requiring further study Nonetheless, based on excavation results and the current state of the site, we can preliminarily conclude that the area around the Trần Temple contains numerous rivers, lakes, or waterways The largest of these is the Vinh River (Vĩnh Giang) Besides the main river, there may be several smaller branches within the central area

2.2 Royal Fief, Manorial sites

2.1.2 Độc Lập Royal Fief site

At the Độc Lập Royal Fief site, architectural remains of a noble residence were discovered during excavations in 1994, including: the foundation of the architecture, a rectangular floor plan (36x38m) Burial architecture was found in three test pits in 1975 in the western half of the mound At a depth

of 0.9m, a layer of fine clay appeared, and at 1.4m deep, a charcoal layer, 5cm thick, was found running in an arc from east to west At Gò Cây Sang,

2-a squ2-are bound2-ary w2-all w2-as discovered, e2-ach side me2-asuring 10m, built with bricks, featuring a decorative “lemon flower” patterned foundation Evidence of craft production was found in the Cồn Rèn area, the Nội Bông field, and within the architectural foundation layer

At the Cao Đài communal house area, excavations conducted in 1994 and 2008-2009 revealed Trần period cultural layers at a depth of -1.16m below the surrounding surface, with a thickness ranging from 0.2m to 0.24m

2.2.2 An Lạc Manorial Estate site – Bảo Lộc Royal Fief site

At the An Lạc site (also known as the Bảo Lộc Royal Fief), discoveries include dragon and phoenix sculptures, lotus leaf patterns, floral bricks, pieces of tower models, and roof tiles with a lotus bud shape

2.2.3 An Trung Manorial Estate site

Around this area, numerous ceramic artifacts and fragments of brick tower models from the Trần period have been found

2.3 Ceramic Production Sites

Relatively clear evidence of ceramic production sites has been found in the Cồn Chè – Cồn Thịnh area Traces of architectural material production were discovered in Test Pit 1 at the Phổ Minh Pagoda during a survey in

1997

2.4 Types of Artifacts

2.4.1 Architectural Materials

2.4.1.1 Bricks include rectangular, square, and specialized bricks The

rectangular bricks come in plain and inscribed varieties, with inscriptions such as "Vĩnh Ninh Trường" and "Hưng Long thập tam niên." The square bricks are divided into two groups: one without decoration and the other with floral motifs (e.g., lime flower and vine patterns) Specialized bricks