According to the head of the research team, expert Wang Weiwei, traces of a very special curry dish discovered at the Oc Eo archaeological site in Thoai Son district, An Giang province of Vietnam could have been brought to Southeast Asia by migrants during the period of trade activities across the Indian Ocean.
Excavation site at Linh Son Pagoda, part of the Oc Eo Relic Site, in Trung Son Hamlet, Oc Eo Town, Thoai Son District, An Giang Province. (Photo: Cong Mao/VNA).
Australian researchers have discovered traces of a curry dish dating back thousands of years at the Oc Eo archaeological site in Thoai Son district, An Giang province, Vietnam.
The discovery sheds new light on ancient trade routes. According to Xinhua News Agency, in a study published on July 22, scientists from the Australian National University (ANU) believe that this is the oldest curry dish - 2,000 years old, first known in Southeast Asia.
The research team said the results of analyzing samples collected from the surface of stone grinding tools at the Oc Eo archaeological site showed that the dish included many spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.
According to the head of the research team, expert Wang Weiwei, this discovery shows that curry was most likely brought to Southeast Asia by migrants during the period of trade activities across the Indian Ocean.
“With spices originating from such diverse places, it is clear that people made long journeys for trade purposes,” he analyzed.
He also said that the global spice trade had helped link cultures and economies in Asia, Africa and Europe since ancient times and the ancient trading port of Oc Eo played an important role as a cultural and commercial crossroads.
In previous excavations at Oc Eo, goods from China, India and the Mediterranean were also discovered, indicating the role of this ancient port as a major commercial center.
Alongside the spice mixture samples, ANU scientists also discovered a significant number of seeds in a well-preserved state, “so intact that it is hard to believe they are 2,000 years old.”
Based on their understanding of the region's rich history, scientists believe that further analysis will reveal new spices and possibly unique plant-based spices.
Source: https://danviet.vn/o-khu-di-chi-van-hoa-oc-eo-cua-an-giang-nha-khao-co-phat-hien-mon-ca-ri-lau-doi-nhat-2000-nam-20240716140733938.htm
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