New LiDAR data has revealed the existence of a massive, previously unknown mountain citadel belonging to the Cham Empire, hidden deep within the dense forests of Vietnam's Central Highlands. The survey mapped a complex network of stone fortifications, terraced residential zones, and elevated causeways spanning over 150 hectares. Unlike traditional Cham sites located along the coast, this highland fortress suggests a more complex territorial control strategy than previously theorized.
The mapping clearly shows a central palace complex surrounded by seven concentric defensive walls. Ground-truthing teams have already identified several sandstone pillars and foundational stones for what appear to have been large granaries. This find rewrites the history of the Champa civilization, indicating they maintained a significant and well-fortified presence in the interior mountains to control the flow of precious timber and forest products.