The Archaeology of Vietnam

Abstract

There is archaeological evidence of human occupation in many areas of present-day Vietnam dating from the Pleistocene, with continuous occupation into the modern era. Though an appreciation of the ancient past has long existed for the Vietnamese, the professional pursuits of archaeology began during the French colonial period in the late nineteenth century. Archaeological research has undergone various phases throughout the past century, periodically interrupted by war. As with many countries, especially in Asia, the history and practice of archaeology has undergone significant transformation since the introduction of the discipline, and to some extent, changes have mirrored the political fluctuations of the past century. Accordingly, there has been an important connection between the deeper past and current notions of Vietnamese identity, civilization, and nationhood. In recent decades, history and archaeology have been an important part of both scholarly research and national agendas.