Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient ritual site dating back to the first king of the Lý Empire, the first of its kind ever discovered.

Experts found this unique site made of wood and stone while excavating the underground parking lot of the new Parliament building which opened last week, reports Zing.

Archaeologists initially had a hard time identifying the structure as it didn’t resemble any recorded historical sites previously unearthed.

The entire site was 3D scanned, photographed, measured and recorded for scientific research and experts were able to identify it as part of the Thăng Long Citadel by consulting the Hồng Đức national map – the first map of Vietnam made in 1490 under the early Lê Empire.

At the conference to evaluate and recommend preservation methods for this site, many experts agreed that this was a ritual site for worshiping ancestors and divine beings and dated its construction to between 1010 and 1150.

However, the discovery complicates development of the area as preserving the entire relic will prevent the construction of the parking area.

One recommendation is to preserve the exposed site, which takes up 388sqm or 5% of the parking lot.

Another calls for the relocation the relic, but it was rejected as this would destroy the spiritual location which has endured for millennia.

Until a solution is found the sire will be filled with sand in order to keep it intact.

The official name for the site is still being discussed.

[Zing]