Trần Thánh Tông facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trần Thánh Tông陳聖宗 |
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| Emperor of Đại Việt | |||||||||||||||||
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| Emperor of the Trần dynasty | |||||||||||||||||
| Reign | March 30, 1258 – November 8, 1278 | ||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Trần Thái Tông | ||||||||||||||||
| Successor | Trần Nhân Tông | ||||||||||||||||
| Retired Emperor of the Trần dynasty | |||||||||||||||||
| Reign | November 8, 1279 – October 12, 1290 | ||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Trần Thái Tông | ||||||||||||||||
| Successor | Trần Nhân Tông | ||||||||||||||||
| Born | October 12, 1240 Thăng Long, Đại Việt |
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| Died | 3 July 1290 (aged 49) Thăng Long, Đại Việt |
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| Burial | Dụ Lăng | ||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Empress Thiên Cảm Trần Thị Thiều | ||||||||||||||||
| Issue | Crown Prince Trần Khâm Prince Tá Thiên Trần Đức Việp Princess Thiên Thụy |
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| House | Trần dynasty | ||||||||||||||||
| Father | Trần Thái Tông | ||||||||||||||||
| Mother | Empress Thuận Thiên | ||||||||||||||||
| Religion | Buddhism | ||||||||||||||||
Trần Thánh Tông (born October 12, 1240 – died July 3, 1290) was an important emperor of the Trần dynasty in Đại Việt (now Vietnam). His personal name was Trần Hoảng (陳晃). He ruled as emperor from 1258 to 1278.
After his reign, he became a retired emperor (Thái thượng hoàng) from 1279 until his death in 1290. During this time, he worked with his son, Emperor Trần Nhân Tông. Together, they led Đại Việt to victory against the Mongol invasions. Their leadership brought a long period of peace and wealth to the country. Trần Thánh Tông is remembered as one of the greatest emperors in Vietnamese history.
Contents
Early Life and First Reign
Trần Hoảng was born on September 25, 1240, according to the lunar calendar. He was the first son of King Trần Thái Tông and Empress Consort Thuận Thiên. He had several brothers, including Prince Chiêu Minh Trần Quang Khải and Prince Chiêu Quốc Trần Ích Tắc.
In 1257, Trần Hoảng saw the first Mongol invasion of Đại Việt. The Mongol army was very powerful and had conquered many lands. At first, Đại Việt's army faced some difficulties. Some officials even thought about running away.
But Emperor Thái Tông and his generals, like Trần Hưng Đạo and Lê Phụ Trần, were brave. They successfully pushed back the Mongol invaders. Đại Việt became peaceful again by December 1257.
After this victory, Emperor Trần Thái Tông decided to give his throne to his son. So, on March 30, 1258, Crown Prince Trần Hoảng became Emperor Trần Thánh Tông. He chose a new name for his reign, Thiệu Long (紹隆), which lasted from 1258 to 1272. Later, he used another era name, Bảo Phù (寶符), from 1273 to 1278. Even though he gave up the throne, Thái Tông continued to help rule as a retired emperor until his death in 1277.
As Emperor: Rebuilding the Nation
After becoming emperor, Thánh Tông and his father worked hard. They wanted to fix the country's economy and government. These had been damaged by the Mongol invasion and earlier problems.
In June 1261, the emperor held an exam. People who wanted to work in the government could take it. The exam tested their writing and math skills. Thánh Tông was good at choosing the right people for jobs. He made his brother, Trần Quang Khải, a grand chancellor. He also appointed Lê Phụ Trần and Trần Hưng Đạo as military leaders.
To help the poor, Thánh Tông had royal family members hire them. They worked on their lands, which helped many people.
In March 1266, Trần Thánh Tông held his first big imperial exam. More than 50 smart people were chosen for important government roles. He also let his brother, Trần Ích Tắc, open a private school. This school helped train many future officials.
The emperor also made the army stronger. He recruited more soldiers and organized the military better. He always watched the northern border carefully. He sent scouts to learn about the Yuan dynasty's army, which was a possible threat.
After his father, Trần Thái Tông, passed away in 1277, Trần Thánh Tông ruled alone for a short time. Just one year later, he decided to pass the throne to his son, Crown Prince Trần Khâm. His son became Emperor Trần Nhân Tông. Thánh Tông became the retired emperor on November 8, 1278.
Dealing with the Yuan Dynasty
Trần Thánh Tông had to deal with the powerful Yuan dynasty to the north. In 1268, the Yuan court sent officials to Đại Việt. They brought a message from Kublai Khan.
Trần Thánh Tông showed respect but did not fully bow down. The Yuan officials accused him of still being friends with the Song dynasty. They also threatened Đại Việt with their large army.
In 1269, Trần Thánh Tông sent a message to the Yuan court. He promised to send tribute elephants later. The Yuan court sent another message, criticizing him for not showing enough respect. They also said he was dishonest.
Trần Thánh Tông wrote a letter to Kublai Khan in 1271. He denied these accusations. For the next two years, Kublai Khan sent more officials. He asked for old copper columns and wanted Thánh Tông to visit him. Trần Thánh Tông refused these demands.
As Retired Emperor: Leading the Defense
The Second Mongol Invasion
In 1279, the Yuan dynasty defeated the Song dynasty. This meant Kublai Khan now controlled all of China. He then wanted to take over southern countries like Đại Việt.
Trần Thánh Tông and Emperor Nhân Tông knew war was coming. They started preparing their army. They also tried to keep peace with the Yuan dynasty when possible. Prince Chiêu Văn Trần Nhật Duật helped calm a revolt in Đà Giang. He used his knowledge of local languages and cultures. This helped keep the country stable before the war.
In October 1282, the two emperors called a big meeting. All royal family members and officials met in Bình Than. They discussed the coming war. Two young generals stood out: Trần Khánh Dư and Trần Quốc Toản, who was only sixteen. In 1283, Trần Hưng Đạo was made commander-in-chief. The emperors then held military exercises with their troops.
In December 1284, the second Yuan invasion began. Kublai Khan's son, Toghan, led the attack. Đại Việt was attacked from two sides. Toghan came from the north, and General Sogetu came from the south.
At first, Thánh Tông and Nhân Tông ordered their army to retreat. This was to avoid heavy fighting with the large Yuan force. Some high-ranking officials and royal family members joined the Yuan forces. This included Thánh Tông's own brother, Trần Ích Tắc.
To help the emperors escape safely, Princess An Tư was offered to Toghan. Marquis Bảo Nghĩa Trần Bình Trọng bravely defended them but was captured and killed. Despite these challenges, the royal family stayed united and determined.
The situation changed after the Battle of Hàm Tử in April 1285. Đại Việt's troops, led by Trần Nhật Duật and others, defeated Sogetu's fleet. On May 10, 1285, Trần Quang Khải won a big victory at Battle of Chương Dương. The Yuan navy was almost destroyed. Ten days later, Sogetu was killed. Emperor Nhân Tông and Retired Emperor Thánh Tông returned to the capital, Thăng Long, on June 6, 1285.
The Third Mongol Invasion
In March 1287, the Yuan dynasty launched their third invasion. This time, Trần Hưng Đạo was confident Đại Việt could win easily. And he was right! This invasion ended a year later. The Yuan navy suffered a huge defeat at the Battle of Bạch Đằng on March 8, 1288.
Other heroes included Prince Nhân Huệ Trần Khánh Dư. He destroyed the Yuan navy's supply ships at the Battle of Vân Đồn. General Phạm Ngũ Lão attacked Toghan's retreating troops.
After the victory, Thánh Tông and Nhân Tông rewarded their generals. They also reminded everyone to stay alert about the northern border. The emperor ordered that defectors from the Trần clan have their family name changed to Mai. For example, Trần Kiện was renamed Mai Kiện. Trần Ích Tắc, who also defected, was given a special nickname in history books to show disapproval.
Retired Emperor Trần Thánh Tông passed away on May 25, 1290, at 50 years old. He was buried in Dụ Lăng.
Family Life
Trần Thánh Tông had one main wife, Empress Thiên Cảm Trần Thiều. She was the fifth daughter of his uncle, Trần Liễu.
His first son, Trần Khâm, was born on November 11, 1258. He became Crown Prince in December 1274. His second son, Prince Tá Thiên Trần Đức Việp, was born in 1265.
Trần Thánh Tông had one daughter, Princess Thiên Thụy. She married Prince Hưng Vũ Trần Quốc Nghiễn, who was the son of Trần Hưng Đạo.
Legacy and Achievements
Historians like Ngô Sĩ Liên praised Trần Thánh Tông. They saw him as one of the best Trần dynasty rulers. He was a fair leader, a good son, and a kind brother and father. He was responsible for keeping the royal family and the country stable. His successful rule laid the groundwork for a long period of peace and wealth in Đại Việt.
Trần Thánh Tông was also a talented scholar. He wrote poems and had a literary work called Di hậu lục. He even taught his princes using his own poems. While he was a great ruler, some historians noted his strong interest in Buddhism.
