The discovery was announced on June 24 by the provincial Department of Culture and Sports following a two-month excavation conducted in collaboration with archaeologists.
Various artefacts are found including stone tools, pottery shards, animal bones, and mollusc shells. Photo by Baoninhbinh.
According to the department, the dig in Bach Lien Hamlet, Yen Thanh Commune, revealed various artefacts including stone tools, pottery shards, animal bones, and mollusc shells. Among the most significant finds were oyster shell tools and shell fragments believed to have been used as decorative items.
Historians said the collection reflects a rich material and spiritual life, as well as evidence of cultural exchanges among prehistoric communities in the region.
Based on the findings, the research team proposed preserving the natural landscape around the site and recommended establishing an archaeological park. Ninh Binh authorities are also preparing a dossier to seek national heritage recognition for the site.
Located in Yen Thanh Commune, Yen Mo District, the Man Bac site is considered one of the most intact and representative prehistoric settlements from the pre-Dong Son period in northern Vietnam. First discovered in 1998, the site has been excavated multiple times in cooperation with international experts.
Dating back 3,500 to 4,000 years, Man Bac includes a residential area and more than 100 burial sites. These suggest the presence of social organisation, distinct burial customs, and a developed spiritual life during that era.
Thousands of artefacts uncovered during previous excavations, including ceramics, stone tools, animal bones, and human remains, have provided valuable insights into ancient craftsmanship, funerary practices, and health conditions in the region.
