Dynasties & 1,000 Years under China
Vietnam boasts a civilization over 4,000 years old — the legend begins with the Dragon King Lạc Long Quân and the Fairy Princess Âu Cơ, from whose 100 eggs the Vietnamese nation was born.
Chinese Rule (111 BC – 939 AD)
For over a thousand years, China ruled over Vietnam — a period that deeply influenced the country: Confucianism, Mandarin administration, Chinese script, and Buddhism were introduced. At the same time, a strong Vietnamese national consciousness formed: Uprisings against foreign rule occurred repeatedly.
The most famous rebels: The Trưng Sisters (40–43 AD), who led an army and briefly won independence. They are still revered as national heroines today — streets, schools, and temples bear their names.
Independence and Golden Age (939–1802)
In 938, Ngô Quyền defeated the Chinese fleet on the Bạch-Đằng River, ending foreign rule. This was followed by the great Vietnamese dynasties:
- Lý Dynasty (1009–1225): Founding of Hanoi (1010) as the capital "Thăng Long" (Rising Dragon). Construction of the Temple of Literature (1070). Golden age of art and Buddhism.
- Trần Dynasty (1225–1400): Thrice repelling the Mongol invasions of Kublai Khan — a moment of national pride, comparable to the Battle of Thermopylae.
- Lê Dynasty (1428–1789): After another Chinese occupation, Lê Lợi liberated Vietnam in 1428. The legend of the returned sword at Hoàn-Kiếm Lake originates from this time. Expansion to the south begins.
