Rice grains, supposed to date back to about 3,000 years ago at Den Citadel relic site in Hanoi are in fact a current rice variety. Rice grains, supposed to date back to about 3,000 years ago at Den Citadel relic site in Hanoi’s Me Linh District, are in fact a current rice variety, scientists said at a seminar held by the Agricultural Genetics Institute on Tuesday.

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AND analysis indicates that the rice grains are completely similar with Khang Dan, a current rice variety, said Dr. Luu Minh Cuc from the institute.

While excavating a historical site named Thanh Den in Hanoi’s Me Linh district in early May, archaeologists discovered many burnt paddies in the layer of soil estimated to be 3000 years old. Ten of the paddies have sprouted while soaked in a preservative.

Thanh Den is a well-known Vietnamese archaeological site. Seven excavations have taken place at the site since 2001.

PV