Further Assessment on the Role and History Of Van Don Trading Port (Vietnam) Based on Interdisciplinary Research Findings

LÊ Thị Liên*, ĐỖ Minh Nghĩa2, ĐINH Thị Thanh Nga1, and PHẠM Thanh Lâm 3

The official designation of Van Don (Quang Ninh province) as an international port was established by the Dai Viet state in 1149, during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong. However, multidisciplinary research results, especially in archaeology and paleo-environmental studies, suggest that history of the Van Don area dates back much further and has lasted for a longer period. Its geographical location, natural characteristics, and ancient environment, along with historical events, have made Van Don to be a dynamic and flexible area in the maritime trade network and connectable to the inland by several rivers. This article presents the results of multidisciplinary research from the past decade or so, aiming to further explain the history of formation, development, and decline of sites within the Van Don trading port area. In addition to synthesizing previously known sources, the latest sources including excavation results from the Dong Choi, Cong Cai - Son Hao, and Cai Lang sites (in the Quan Lan Island area), Vung Huyen Nho (Cong Tay Island), survey results from the Tra Ban Island and several coastal sites in Quang Ninh province will be discussed.