CONTRIBUTING TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE OUTSTANDING GLOBAL VALUE OF THE OC EO - BA THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX FROM NEW DISCOVERIES (2017 - 2020)

Abstract

The Oc Eo - Ba The archaeological complex, located in present-day Oc Eo town, Thoai Son district, An Giang province, is the most famous site of the Oc Eo culture. The artifacts and structures unearthed here exhibit remarkable diversity in form, style, and origin, providing compelling evidence of the environmental adaptation, survival strategies, and cultural interactions of ancient communities in the lower Mekong region during the early centuries AD. This ancient coastal urban center is well-preserved, with multiple cultural layers underground. It served as a vital hub for merchants, monks, voyagers, and others who participated in the dynamic maritime trading networks that connected numerous ancient East-West civilizations. In recognition of Oc Eo - Ba The's exceptional value, a report titled "Documentation of the Archaeological Relics of Oc Eo - Ba The, An Giang Province" was recently submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the preliminary list of World Heritage nominations under three specific criteria. This article highlights key archaeological findings from recent excavations, further elucidating the cultural significance of these sites and providing additional documentation to support the criteria for recognizing the outstanding global value of this archaeological complex.