Sanctuary remains of ancient Cham people gets protection

The remains of a 1,200-year-old Cham sanctuary unearthed in Phu Vang district in Hue will undergo major protection works costing VND560 million (US$32,000) that is likely to be completed next year.
It will get a security post, equipment to safeguard the structure and a stele providing information about it. Its foundation will be strengthened, and two guards will be posted permanently to protect it from vandalism, according to Cao Huy Hung, director of the province’s Historic and Revolutionary Museum and the project co-ordinator. Earlier this month the museum cordoned off an area of 7,300sq.m around the tower and put up markers.
The tower was found five years ago when titanium miners dug 8m into the ground. Subsequent excavations by archaeologists revealed the foundation of another structure nearby besides many religious artefacts belonging to the ancient Cham people.
The tower has been dated between the eighth and ninth centuries, making it among the earliest Cham relics discovered so far. It dates back to the same period as the My Son Tower in Quang Nam province further south, which has been recognised as a world heritage by the United Nations’ Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO).
Situated just 100m from the sea, the tower began to lean, develop cracks and deteriorate soon after it was discovered and exposed to the elements, especially the humidity from the ocean nearby.
At the end of 2005 a steel frame was built to prop up the tower.