Enhanced security measures implemented around the royal tombs in Thanh Hóa following an incident
Vandalism at Emperor Lê Túc Tông's Tomb Sparks Call For Tougher Measures
Thanh Hóa, Vietnam — The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Thanh Hóa is pushing for reinforced security measures to curb vandalism and unauthorized excavations at royal tombs in search of relics, following the desecration of Emperor Lê Túc Tông's tomb.
On May 3, officials from the Thanh Hóa Centre for Historical Research and Heritage Conservation discovered that the tomb had been vandalized. Upon investigation, authorities found a mobile phone with Chinese-language settings, identity documents belonging to a Chinese citizen, and a metal probing tool often used in search of buried artefacts.
The suspects, Deng Zhui, 41, and Shen Jiangyang, 43, residents of Guangxi Province in China, were swiftly apprehended by the Quảng Ninh Police Department and later handed over to Thanh Hóa police for further investigation.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the Department, as similar acts of vandalism were reported at the tomb of Lord Nguyễn Phúc Khoát in Thừa Thiên-Huế earlier this year. In a statement, the Department highlighted the increasing issue of illegal excavations and vandalism at tombs and archaeological sites in the region.
The tomb stele of Emperor Lê Túc Tông. - Photo courtesy of the management board of the Special National Heritage Site of Lam Kinh
Criminals typically take advantage of tourism, research, and educational opportunities related to cultural heritage to engage in unlawful excavations and vandalism at historical sites and tombs. In response, local authorities have been asked to intensify management and protection of these sites, as well as popular tourist destinations.
Strict action should be taken against theft, unauthorized excavation, recovery, and illegal trading or exchange of relics and artefacts. In addition, authorities should invest in surveillance camera systems and proper lighting within historical and cultural sites and tourist attractions under their management.
The Thanh Hóa Provincial Police and pertinent units have been instructed to look into the matter and take steps to prevent such incidents from happening again, with a specific focus on the tombs of the Lê emperors, including Emperor Lê Túc Tông's, situated within the Lam Kinh historical site. This extends to the tombs of the Trịnh and Nguyễn lords, historical figures from various feudal dynasties, and archaeological sites across the province.
Lê Túc Tông, also known as Lê Thuần, was the third son of Emperor Lê Hiến Tông, renowned for his virtuous character and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the realm. Following his death in 1505, he was buried at Kính Laģ, within the current boundaries of Kiên Thọ Commune.
The aerial view of the special national heritage site of Lam Kinh that houses tombs of emperors, queens, and empresses of the early Lê Dynasty (1428-1528). - Photo courtesy of the management board of the Special National Heritage Site of Lam Kinh
The tomb was previously damaged and restored in 1997, and now measures 4.5 metres in length, 4.5 metres in width, and 1 metre in height. The special national heritage site of Lam Kinh, which covers over 200 hectares and is located in the districts of Thọ Xuân and Ngọc Lặc, is the resting place for emperors, queens, and empresses of the early Lê Dynasty (1428-1528), as well as the homeland of the national hero Lê Lợi, associated with the Lam Sơn uprising against the Ming invaders (1418-1427).
[1] Enrichment data: Report on vandalism at Emperor Lê Túc Tông's tomb, apprehension of two Chinese citizens involved, and call for increased security measures to protect royal tombs and archaeological sites in the Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam (Vietnamnews.vn)
- The vandalism at Emperor Lê Túc Tông's tomb has ignited discourse about strengthening education on cultural heritage preservation and self-development.
- Artificial intelligence could be harnessed to enhance research and the monitoring of tombs and archaeological sites in the region for effective prevention of vandalism and unauthorized excavations.
- The media, under the categories of general news and crime and justice, can play a significant role in sensitizing the public about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the consequences of vandalism.
- While steps are being taken to address the issue of tomb vandalism, it's important to note that similar concern arises when addressing the monopoly of casino and gambling establishments in the region, which often lead to crime and social unrest.
- The vandalism at Emperor Lê Túc Tông's tomb is a grim reminder of the potential danger that ancient tombs and archaeological sites face fromfolks with ill intentions, such as those engaged in crime, gambling, and a disregard for history.
- In response to this incident, the authorities should consider organizing cultural education programs for tourists, focusing on the significance of the tombs and archaeological sites, and the penalties for engaging in vandalism or illegal activities.
- The desecration of Emperor Lê Túc Tông's tomb serves as a call for international cooperation between nations, promoting mutual respect for each other's cultural heritage, and joint efforts to combat crime and prevent the vandalism of historical sites and tombs.
