Early Lý dynasty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vạn Xuân
萬春
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| 544–602 | |||||||||
Map of Vạn Xuân kingdom
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| Capital | Long Biên | ||||||||
| Common languages | Proto-Vietnamese | ||||||||
| Religion | Buddhism, Taoism, Vietnamese folk religion | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Emperor | |||||||||
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• 544–548
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Lý Nam Đế (First) | ||||||||
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• 548–571
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Triệu Việt Vương (Middle) | ||||||||
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• 571–602
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Hậu Lý Nam Đế (Last) | ||||||||
| Historical era | Medieval Asia | ||||||||
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• Lý Bí revolted against Liang China
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541 | ||||||||
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• Lý Bí proclaimed himself Emperor
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544 | ||||||||
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• Triệu Quang Phục claimed himself the new emperor
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555 | ||||||||
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• Lý Phật Tử defeated Triệu Việt Vương and regained the throne
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571 | ||||||||
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• Surrender of Hậu Lý Nam Đế
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602 | ||||||||
| Currency | Cash coins | ||||||||
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| Today part of | Vietnam China |
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The Early Lý dynasty was a ruling family in Vietnam from 544 to 602 AD. It was also known as the Former Lý dynasty. Its official name was Vạn Xuân, which means "Myriad Spring".
The founder of this dynasty was Lý Bí. He declared himself the "Southern Emperor" (Lý Nam Đế). The capital city was Long Biên, which is part of modern-day Hanoi.
Contents
Lý Bí and the Kingdom of Vạn Xuân
Lý Bí (503–548) was born in Thái Bình. In 543, he and his brother Lý Thiên Bảo started a rebellion. They fought against the Chinese Liang dynasty to make their land independent.
Many people believe Lý Bí rebelled because he came from a rich family. He also failed an important test to join the government. So, he decided to lead a revolt instead.
The 500s were a key time for Vietnam to become independent. Vietnamese leaders wanted to rule their own land. They used Vietnamese traditions for kingship. Lý Bí's family had moved to the Red River Delta a long time ago. They came from China during a time of trouble.
Lý Bí declared himself emperor in 544. He named his new country Vạn Xuân. He also built the Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi around this time.
Fighting the Liang Dynasty
In 545, the Emperor of Liang sent soldiers to take back the region. In 546, a fort called Gia Ninh fell. Lý Bí and his army had to escape. They fought back using guerrilla warfare. This means they used surprise attacks and hid in the mountains.
While Lý Bí's family was fighting from the mountains, another leader appeared. His name was Triệu Quang Phục. He based his rule on local Vietnamese traditions. Triệu Quang Phục set up his base on an island in a huge swamp. From there, he could attack the Liang army without warning. He would take their supplies and then disappear back into the swamp.
Some historians believe that Vietnam's famous hit-and-run tactics started with Triệu Quang Phục. These tactics involve quick attacks and then moving away quickly.
Civil War in Vạn Xuân
After Lý Thiên Bảo passed away, a cousin named Lý Phật Tử wanted to be emperor. He challenged Triệu Quang Phục for the throne. Both sides fought each other in a civil war. No one could win a clear victory.
To avoid more fighting, Triệu Việt Vương and Lý Phật Tử made a peace deal. The land north of Long Biên would be ruled by Lý Phật Tử. The land south of Long Biên would belong to Triệu Việt Vương.
However, in 571, Lý Phật Tử broke the peace. He attacked Triệu Quang Phục's area. Triệu Quang Phục's forces were not ready for an attack. They were easily defeated. His capital city was burned by Lý Phật Tử's army. Triệu Quang Phục managed to escape but died during his retreat. His remaining forces joined Lý Phật Tử's lands.
Sui Dynasty Takes Over
The new Sui Empire in China defeated the Chen dynasty in 589. This meant China was united again. The Emperor Wen of Sui sent a message to Vạn Xuân. He demanded that Lý Phật Tử become a ruler under the Sui Empire. Lý Phật Tử refused.
In 602, Emperor Wen of Sui ordered his general Liu Fang to invade Vạn Xuân. Liu Fang led an army of 100,000 soldiers. The emperor of Vạn Xuân, Lý Phật Tử, surrendered to the Sui. This marked the end of the Early Lý dynasty. It also meant that China would rule Vietnam again for a long time.
Early Lý Dynasty Monarchs
- Lý Nam Đế I (ruled 542–548): His name before becoming emperor was Lý Bí.
- Lý Thiên Bảo (ruled 548–555): He ruled alongside Triệu Quang Phục for a time.
- Triệu Việt Vương (ruled 548–571): He was the sole ruler from 555 to 571.
- Lý Nam Đế II (Lý Phật Tử) (ruled 571–602)
- Lý Sư Lợi (603)
