The remains of an ancient metal workshop believed to date back to around the 8th century has been found near the Heijo Palace site here, a research institute has announced.
The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties said on Nov. 17 that the remains of a metal workshop were discovered some 130 meters southeast of the Heijo Palace's "Suzakumon" main gate. Although researchers could not determine the specific period when the metal workshop had been used, they believe the structure was in operation for a short time before the relocation of the nation's capital to Nara in 710. Nara was Japan's capital through 784.
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