VietNamNet Bridge - In its glory days, Funan controlled the land stretching from the southern part of central Vietnam to the Me Nam river valley of Thailand.

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Dating back to the 8th century, the Chot Mat tower in Moi hamlet, Tan Phong commune, Tan Bien District, Tay Ninh province is one of the most iconic monuments of the Oc Eo culture in the last period of Funan – the kingdom that dominated the Mekong Delta in the early centuries AD.

 

 

 

 

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Chot Mat Tower was discovered by French archaeologists in the early 20th century. The tower was severely damaged when it was found. The tower was then restored.

 

 

 

 

 

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The tower was built of bricks, in the square shape of 5m x 5m, 10m high. The entire tower is carved with exquisite patterns.

 

 

 

 

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The patterns in the tower foot.

 

 

 

 

 

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Patterns on the gate pillar.

 

 

 

 

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Reliefs on the gate.

 

 

 

 

 

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Floral motifs.

 

 

 

 

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Stylized lotus petals at the base of the tower.

 

 

 

 

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Dot patterns at the foot of the tower.

 

 

 

 

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A devastated relief.

 

 

 

 

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Inside the tower.

 

 

 

 

 

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Next to the restored tower is the ruins of another tower that collapsed completely.

 

 

 

 

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The ethnic language of the inhabitants of Funan are still a mystery.

 

 

 

 

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After a glorious period, the empire of Funan declined at the end of the 6th century. From the 7th century, the Funan kingdom ended its existence after being merged into the territory of the Chenla Kingdom.

 

 

Kien Thuc