Scientists release new studies on Nam Bo region’s history (News)

Nam Bo is in southern Vietnam.

In ancient times, what is now Vietnam was divided between the Austro-Asiatic-speaking Viets of the north, the Austronesian speaking hill peoples of Central Vietnam, and in the South the Austro-Asiatic Khmer and Austronesian Cham speakers.

Eventually after the northern kingdoms freed themselves from Chinese domination they were able to incorporate the southern areas into their empire.

Regards,
Paul Kekai Manansala
Sacramento

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http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01SOC110406

Scientists release new studies on Nam Bo region’s history

(11-04-2006)

HCM City — Initial results of scientific investigations and research into the history of the Nam Bo (southern Viet Nam) region during the period between the 17th century and the late 19th century were released by Viet Nam Historical Sciences Society, Viet Nam Social Sciences Institute, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Twenty seven reports and supporting research materials written by more than 40 scientists and historians about the historical period were released, including work on archaeology, paleoan-thropology, history, ethnology, cultural studies, geology, ecology, and environment studies.

According to Professor Phan Huy Le, president of Viet Nam Historical Sciences Society, research ers explored the history of the southern region through the many layers of culture left by its inhabitants starting in the prehistoric period.

This interpretation is in line with the common point of view of world historians, Le added.

Over the last few decades, Vietnamese archaeologists have carried out excavations nation-wide, uncovering many interesting discoveries.

According to the released reports, Viet Nam’s ancient history is not only Dong Son Culture with the establishment of Van Lang State (7th-6th B.C.) and Au Lac State (earlier 3rd B.C.) but also includes Sa Huynh-Champa Culture with the formation of the Lam Ap State (Ancient Champa Kingdom) (1st B.C.) and Oc Eo Culture with the Phu Nam Kingdom (1st-7th A.D.).

The initial investigations and research covers changes in the natural environment, migration, administrative management system of Nguyen Lords (1558-1777) in the Cuu Long (Mekong) delta region, economic development, and international legal agreements which confirm Viet Nam’s sovereignty to the land.

The research revealed a history of the work, cultural, and spiritual elements of Vietnamese lives.

Historical documents and international legal agreements are a firm foundation to confirm that the Nam Bo Region is part of Viet Nam’s territory and ethnic groups living in the land are part of a united Vietnamese nation. — VNS