Some artefacts from the imperial city of Hue are to be listed as national treasures of Vietnam.

Sacred cannons from Hue, Tuoi Tre News 20120208

Hue antiquities to become national treasures
Tuoi Tre News, 08 February 2012

Three out of ten artifact groups in the central city of Hue have been listed for recognition as national treasures, including nine sacred cannons, nine urns and a great bell, said an official on Feb. 7.

According to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) history, the nine cannons were cast in Hue by soldiers from February 1803 to January 1804. After being enthroned, King Gia Long ordered the confiscation of bronze weapons from the previous reign, in order to cast the cannons as eternal souvenirs.

They were named after the four seasons and five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth, according to Eastern philosophy, and were placed at The Nhon and Quang Duc gates in Hue imperial city in the early 20th century.

Full story here.