Burnt rice in Hanoi may date to 3,000 years old

Rice paddies found in Hanoi, estimated to be 3,000 years old, will be sent for dating in Japan to confirm.

“3000-year-old” paddies to be tested for date
Vietnam Net Bridge, 09 June 2010

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

Agricultural scientists are very excited, saying this is a very rare phenomenon.

Scientists said even the most modern technology can only preserve seeds that can sprout 50-100 years later at maximum. It is necessary to analyze the carbon content of these paddies to have an accurate and convincing answer.