The history of Vietnam is rich and varied, with many different dynasties and rulers shaping the country’s destiny. There have been glorious periods of prosperity and enlightened monarchs, but also times of turmoil and suffering caused by inept and immoral leaders.
Do you know which family has produced the most monarchs in Vietnamese history?
The Le Dynasty: Vietnam’s Longest-Ruling Family
Vietnam’s era of independence began after over a thousand years of domination by neighboring powers. This pivotal moment was marked by Ngo Quyen’s victory at the Battle of Bach Dang in 938. A year later, Ngo Quyen ascended the throne, establishing the Ngo Dynasty. He became the first ruler of an independent Vietnam.
In the centuries that followed, Vietnam witnessed numerous monarchs and dynasties. The Le family has produced the most rulers in Vietnamese history, including the Early Le Dynasty (980-1009) and the Later Le Dynasty (1428-1789). With 31 Le monarchs and a collective reign of 390 years during the feudal period, the Le family left an indelible mark on the country.
The Le family is one of the most prominent clans of the Lac Viet people and has a long history of settlement in the regions of Thanh Hoa and Ninh Binh. The Le monarchs and notable figures trace their roots to the Lac Viet land, and they are considered the ancestors of numerous Le family branches throughout the country. According to the book “100 Common Surnames in Vietnam” published by the Social Sciences Publishing House in 2022, the Le family accounts for 8.9% of Vietnam’s population.
The Le Family: A Legacy of the Lac Viet People
The Le family established two distinct Le dynasties. Le Hoan founded the Early Le Dynasty (980–1009), while Le Loi, or Le Thai To, initiated the Later Le Dynasty. This latter dynasty lasted for almost a century and is considered one of the golden ages in Vietnamese history, marked by cultural flourishing and advancements in education and military affairs.
One of Vietnam’s most renowned monarchs, Le Thanh Tong (1460-1497), presided over the height of the Later Le Dynasty’s prosperity. During his reign, he implemented far-reaching reforms in administration, education, and law while expanding the country’s territory southward, shaping the cultural and territorial landscape of modern-day Vietnam.
The longest-reigning Le monarch was Le Hien Tong, who ruled for 46 years (1740–1786). In contrast, the shortest reign belonged to Le Long Viet (Le Trung Tong), son of Le Dai Hanh, who held the throne for just three days before being overthrown by his brother, Le Long Dinh.
The Le Dynasty officially ended in 1789 when Nguyen Hue (Emperor Quang Trung) entered Thang Long, defeated the Qing army, and overthrew the Le rulers. Despite several brief attempts at restoration, the Le Dynasty could not regain its former power, bringing an end to a royal lineage that had endured for over 350 years.
The Royal Bloodline: A Proud Legacy of Vietnam’s Most Regal Family Name
Do you know which Vietnamese dynasty has the most monarchs from the same family line?
The Royal Bloodline: A Proud Heritage of Vietnam’s Most Illustrious Dynasty
Throughout the rich history of Vietnam, there existed a remarkable dynasty that reigned supreme and produced an astonishing 31 monarchs. This illustrious lineage left an indelible mark on the nation, ushering in a golden age of prosperity and splendor.
Wild animals loved by the Vietnamese king to be kept in the palace
Vietnamese history has witnessed numerous feudal dynasties with the sophisticated hobbies of kings and emperors. One of them is the practice of raising wild animals in forbidden terrains.
Admiring the Beauty of Vietnamese Traditional Costumes Throughout History
Below, we can observe the evolution of Vietnamese attire throughout different periods, vividly showcasing the distinct characteristics of each era. Recognizing the significance and beauty of Vietnamese clothing throughout each period.
400 years of ruling, 31 kings, setting the record for the most reigns in Vietnamese history
This is a lineage with the most kings in the history of Vietnam, reigning on the golden throne for nearly 400 years.
