Archaeological heritage of Cao Bang Province - Outstanding values

Abstract

The article highlights the outstanding values of archaeological heritage in Cao Bang
province from prehistoric-early historic periods to the feudal monarchy period of Vietnam. During
the prehistoric period, Cao Bang had complete relics from the Paleolithic era, through the Neolithic
period with Hoa Binh-Bac Son relics to late Neolithic relics, both bearing general characteristics of
Vietnamese prehistoric culture and distinctive features unique to Cao Bang. Moving into the early
historic period with bronze artifacts and bronze drums, we can see that Cao Bang was part of the
Dong Son cultural territory, of the Van Lang-Au Lac state. During feudal monarchy periods (at least
from the Early Le to Nguyen dynasties), various types of archaeological heritage such as fortress
systems, temple and pagoda systems, and ancient stele systems in Cao Bang are historical evidence
contributing to research on historical and traditional cultural issues of Cao Bang province specifically
and Vietnam generally.