The seminar was attended by Comrade Quan Minh Cuong, Secretary of the Cao Bang Provincial Party Committee; leaders of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of provincial departments, agencies, and organizations; former provincial leaders; a number of local cultural and historical researchers; and representatives of the People's Committees of several communes and wards in the province.
On the scientific side, the seminar was attended by Professor Hoang Anh Tuan - Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with lecturers from the university, and scientists from the National Council for Cultural Heritage, the Vietnam Archaeological Society, the Hanoi Historical Society, etc.
Opening the seminar, Dr. Le Hai Hoa, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Bang province, expressed: In the flow of Vietnamese history during the early period, the focal point of the hypothesis about the Nam Cuong kingdom and the legend of "Cau Chua Cheng Vua" located in Hoa An, Cao Bang, raised a major question: What was Cao Bang's role in the unification of Van Lang and Nam Cuong to form the Au Lac state? From this issue, the seminar was organized with the impetus and direction to create practical steps in the journey of rediscovering our roots to awaken pride and build a happy, developed Cao Bang for its people. Research on An Duong Vuong not only aims to decipher a historical period but also helps cultivate identity and create spiritual strength for the development journey today.
Dr. Le Hai Hoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Bang province, delivered the opening remarks at the seminar.
In his opening remarks, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasized that the university prioritizes research in archaeology, history, and cultural heritage to achieve the latest scientific results as a basis for advising on the economic, social, and cultural development of the locality.
The responsibility of scientists and research institutions is to clarify certain points in the general study of the Dong Son culture or the early stages of development of prehistoric states. While these aspects are already well-defined, there are still some areas in Cao Bang that require further research. Some aspects are clear regarding legends, myths, and the flow of history from Cao Bang to Co Loa, but the Dong Son cultural remains have not yet been placed within specific stratigraphic layers for archaeological excavation. This is a concern for scientists seeking to clarify Cao Bang's crucial link in the flow of Vietnamese history. Therefore, research has a responsibility to contribute to preserving the "foundation" of this "border region" that our ancestors protected and maintained.
Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, presented the introductory report for the seminar.
Comrade Quan Minh Cuong, Secretary of the Cao Bang Provincial Party Committee, requested that scientists cooperate with the province to continue conducting systematic and scientific research, using historical documents as well as standard national and international documents, to verify historical issues. In addition, they should continue surveying, researching, and collecting Dong Son cultural artifacts found in Cao Bang to supplement the source of artifacts and documents for museum exhibitions and to disseminate the values of historical and cultural heritage, as well as to serve scientific research and community education.
The Provincial Party Secretary expressed his hope that scientists would continue to pay attention to and cooperate with Cao Bang province in archaeological research, effectively implement conservation work, promote the value of heritage and publicize the local image, and promote cooperation in scientific research, human resource training and strategic consulting on cultural development in Cao Bang province.
Provincial Party Secretary Quan Minh Cuong delivered a speech at the seminar.
At the seminar, scientists proposed that, given the historical and cultural values of the Dong Son cultural relics and artifacts in Cao Bang, it is necessary to expand the investigation and survey to different areas within Cao Bang province. Simultaneously, a system of maps showing the distribution of archaeological sites in particular, and historical and cultural relics in general, in Cao Bang province should be developed – a necessary step in the current context. Furthermore, continued surveys, research, and collection of Dong Son cultural artifacts, and artifacts from the Pre-History period in general, are needed to supplement the source of artifacts and documents for museum exhibitions, disseminate the values of historical and cultural heritage, and serve scientific research and community education.
According to scientists, in the last 10 years there have been very few archaeological studies in Cao Bang province. Only a few studies and excavations have been conducted at Ban Phu Citadel and Na Lu Citadel, and almost no research on the Prehistoric period. Therefore, further investigations and surveys are needed to discover and excavate Prehistoric relics, especially those of the Dong Son culture and the Thuc Phan - An Duong Vuong period.
Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son, Vice Rector, Head of the History Department - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, presented the "Report on the investigation and research of Dong Son cultural relics and artifacts in Cao Bang in 2025".
The seminar also listened to valuable contributions from reputable experts and researchers. Professor Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Vice President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association, presented a paper on the topic "Cao Bang in the Era of Nation Building." He noted that, as part of a cooperation program with Cao Bang province, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities sent a team of experts to authenticate nearly 400 artifacts and conduct field surveys and mapping of 17 artifact discovery sites. In this spirit, Professor Nguyen Quang Ngoc hoped for insightful suggestions from experts and administrators, especially regarding expanding the investigation and conducting archaeological excavations, to soon uncover authentic Dong Son cultural relics beneath the soil of Cao Bang.
Professor Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, emphasized that the diverse and rich historical and cultural heritage holds great potential for the strong and sustainable development of Cao Bang's local culture.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Vice President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association,Former Head of the History Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Professor Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, former Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association
Professor Hoang Anh Tuan presented a Certificate of Commendation to Mr. Dam The Hoc, Chairman of the Cao Binh Cultural Heritage Association, for his contributions to the collection and preservation of historical artifacts in Cao Bang province.
The delegates attending the seminar took a commemorative photo.
Within the framework of the seminar, the Cao Bang Provincial Museum, in collaboration with the Museum of History and Culture, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, organized an exhibition on the cultural imprint of the Dong Son culture.
