Van Lang
Quick Summary
Van Lang was the legendary first Vietnamese state, possibly located north of modern-day Hanoi. According to myth, it was founded by Hung Vuong, whose name means "Strong Leader". The legends describe Van Lang as the "Land of the Tattooed Men" and suggest its territory extended from the Red River delta into southern China.123
While ancient texts credit Hung Vuong with establishing the Hong Bang dynasty in 2879 BCE, archaeological evidence indicates the earliest Vietnamese kingdom originated between 1000 and 500 BCE. The legendary Hung dynasty is said to have had 18 kings, ruling for approximately 150 years each. The last Hung king was overthrown in 258 or 257 BCE, leading to the formation of the state of Au Lac.123
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