The Oc Eo – Ba The archeological and architectural site in thesouthern province of An Giang has been recognised as a special nationalrelic.

The announcement ceremony was held in Oc Eo township, Thoai Son district on June 27.

The 450ha Oc Eo relic is located in the area of Sap-Ba The Mountain,Thoai Son district, 40km from Long Xuyen city. This is a well-knownrelic, first excavated by French archaeologist Louis Malleret in 1944,which is believed to have been a busy commercial port of theonce-powerful Phu Nam kingdom 2,000 years ago.

Artifacts found in this area are clear evidence of an advancedcivilisation with developed arts and crafts including jewellery andpottery making.

There were also asystem of canals and various temples and tombs built with bricks andstones in this area, which were the combination of ancient civilisationsin the region and the local culture.

In 1988, twostone steles and a four-hand Buddha statue within the site were declaredas a national relic site, with Nam Linh Son Tu and Go Cay Thi winningthe same status in 2002.

The provincial authoritieshave come up with a plan to establish Oc Eo relic site management boardwhile raising public awareness of protecting and upholding its culturalvalues.-VNA