Latter Le Dynasty
An aristocratic mandarin under the Chinese Ming Dynasty, Le Loi led a guerilla war for liberation when Chinese rule became extremely harsh. He united the peasants, bandits and mandarins under his flag. He was called the "Prince of Pacification". In 1426, at Tot Dong, Le Loi won his country's freedom and was still gallant to the defeated Chinese. After this victory he ruled as Emperor of Dai Viet, built many public works, distributed land and built up the economy. He is known as one of the most famous emperors in Vietnamese history.
Ly Dynasty (r.1010-1028)
An orphan, raised in a Buddhist Temple, Ly Cong Uan became a palace guard. After the death of Emperor Le Long Dinh he seized power and founded the Ly Dynasty to reign Emperor Ly Thai To. He moved the capital to Thang Long, modern day Hanoi and began to develop the country and his dynasty. The Ly ruled for over 200 years, the longest of any Vietnamese dynasty.
(r. 39-42)
After more than 100 years of Chinese rule, the Trung Sisters led a revolt against the Han Dynasty. Together with the tribal lords they formed an army with several women generals. They attacked with a ferocity born out of oppression and desperation. The Trung Sisters took all land from China to Hue. They ruled together as queens until the Chinese sent another massive army to conquer Vietnam. Unwilling to live on in defeat the sisters committed suicide. They are the most popular and widely worshiped national heroines of Vietnam.
The great female warrior Trieu Au was born in 222 when China ruled Viet Nam. Her Chinese sister-in-law treated her like a slave after her parent's death. She finally killed her and used her great skills of oratory to rally the people to revolt against the Chinese. She led them into battle herself, on an elephant and wearing golden armor. Although her skill and bravery were legendary, and she struck fear into the hearts of the invaders, China was too powerful and after six months she was defeated and committed suicide.
(r.939-944)
The founder of the first national Vietnamese dynasty was General Ngo Quyen. He defeated the Chinese at the battle of Dach Bang and moved the capital to Co Loa, of the old Au Lac kingdom and ascended the throne in the succession of previous Vietnamese rulers. He founded the Ngo dynasty and took the name "Quyen" meaning "authority" and "power". He was a brilliant commander but spent most of the rest of his reign fighting against rebellions by the many feudal lords.
