Pham Nhu Ho, head of the Historic Archaeology Section, made the announcement after an archaeological investigation around the Tran Temple in northern Nam Dinh province.

After digging up five holes with a total area of 500 square metres around the Tran Temple, archaeologists excavated many objects and relics dating back to the Tran dynasty.

Most objects are intact and have similar patterns with those discovered at the Thang Long Royal Citadel in Hanoi.

Mr Ho said the discovery will be important foundation for more excavations of the whole Tran Temple with the aim of turning it into a cultural tourist site in Nam Dinh province.