Typology and Chronology of Bricks and Tiles from the Early Lê Dynasty in Thăng Long

NGÔ Thị Lan

The Thăng Long Imperial Citadel (Hà Nội) possesses an extraordinary 1300 years of historical sequence encompassing the Lý, Trần, Early Lê, Mạc, Restored Lê, and Nguyễn dynasties. Within this UNESCO World Heritage site, conducting archaeological research specifically the typological classification and chronological determination of the massive corpus of architectural ceramics presents a significant challenge for scholars. This study focuses on classifying and dating bricks and tiles from the Early Lê period (15th -16th centuries), regarded as the zenith of the Đại Việt era. To distinguish Early Lê materials within a vast, multi-period assemblage, the research integrates traditional methodologies such as stratigraphic analysis, cultural characterization, and comparative studies with archaeometric approaches (material composition analysis) and the study of inscribed sino-nom character. Notably, inscribed bricks and tiles, when cross-referenced with historical records, provide definitive evidence regarding provenance, dating, and other significant historical insights. The research has yielded positive results in refining the typology and chronology of these ceramics, directly contributing to the identification of architectural foundations. These findings serve as a vital scientific basis for the future reconstruction and conservation of the Kính Thiên Palace, the preeminent central hall of the Thăng Long Imperial Palace during the Early Lê dynasty. Furthermore, this study seeks to engage with advanced scientific methodologies for dating architectural materials within a broader regional context, enhancing the scholarly understanding of Southeast Asian heritage.