Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vietnam Under Occupation
The Chinese ruled Vietnam for 1000 years, introducing Confucianism, Taoism and Mahay-
ana Buddhism to Vietnam, as well as a written character system. Meanwhile, the Indians
brought Theravada Buddhism. Monks carried with them the scientific and medical know-
ledge of these two great civilisations, and Vietnam was soon producing its own great doc-
tors, botanists and scholars.
In the early 10th century, the Tang dynasty in China collapsed. The Vietnamese seized
the initiative and launched a revolt against Chinese rule in Vietnam. In 938 popular patriot
Ngo Quyen finally vanquished the Chinese armies at a battle on the Bach Dang River, end-
ing a millennium of Chinese rule. However, it was not the last time the Vietnamese would
tussle with their mighty northern neighbour.
From the 11th to 13th centuries, Vietnamese independence was consolidated under the
enlightened emperors of the Ly dynasty. During the Ly dynasty many enemies, including
the Chinese, the Khmer and the Cham, launched attacks on Vietnam, but all were repelled.
Southeast Asian kingdoms were not states in the modern sense, with fixed frontiers, but varied
in extent. Outlying meuang (principalities or city-states) might transfer their allegiance elsewhere
when the centre was weak. This is why scholars prefer the term 'mandala', meaning 'circle of
power'.
 
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