Famous Vietnamese Historical Personalities

Bảo Đại was the final emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam, ruling from 1926 to 1945. He ascended the throne in 1932 and later proclaimed the Empire of Vietnam under Japanese rule in 1945. Following Japan's surrender, he abdicated and later became the chief of state of the non-communist State of Vietnam from 1949 to 1955. Criticized as a puppet ruler, Bảo Đại was eventually ousted in a 1955 referendum by Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm, with U.S. support.

Gia Long was the founding emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam. He successfully reunited the country after centuries of internal strife, expanding its territories and strengthening its military dominance in Indochina. Gia Long implemented Confucian orthodoxy, reinstated classical education and civil service systems, and modernized Vietnam's defensive capabilities with French assistance. He moved the capital to Huế, built fortresses and a palace, while tolerating the activities of Roman Catholic missionaries. His rule marked a period of stability and military success for Vietnam.

Lê Lợi was a Vietnamese rebel leader who founded the Later Lê dynasty and became the first king of the restored kingdom of Đại Việt after the country was conquered by the Ming dynasty. He is known for his effective guerrilla tactics, including constantly moving his camps and using small bands of irregulars to ambush the larger Ming forces. Lê Lợi's resistance movement successfully drove the Ming armies out of Vietnam and restored Vietnamese independence, making him one of the greatest heroes in Vietnamese history.

Minh Mạng was the second emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam. He ruled from 1820 until his death in 1841. Known for opposing French intervention, he completed the conquest of Champa, temporarily annexed Cambodia, and enforced strict Confucian principles. Minh Mạng's reign was characterized by his dedication to traditional values and his efforts to maintain Vietnamese independence.

Tự Đức was the fourth emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam, reigning from 1847 to 1883. During his rule, he focused on strengthening the central administration, implementing bureaucratic reforms, and promoting Confucian ideals. Tự Đức also emphasized cultural and literary pursuits, commissioning numerous works of literature and poetry. However, his reign was marked by internal unrest and external conflicts, including the French intervention in Vietnam. Despite facing challenges, Tự Đức's dedication to governance and cultural preservation left a lasting impact on Vietnamese history.

Trưng Trắc was a powerful leader and national hero of the Vietnamese people, who led a rebellion against the Han dynasty's rule, establishing a separate Vietnamese government for three years. As the first female monarch in Vietnamese history, she symbolized resilience and national pride. Despite the eventual defeat of her uprising, her legacy continues to inspire Vietnamese culture, representing a spirit of defiance and national revival. Historians recognize her significant role in uniting various regions and rallying widespread support for the cause of Vietnamese independence.

Ngô Quyền was a warlord who later became the founding king of the Ngô dynasty of Vietnam. He is often referred to as Tiền Ngô Vương and reigned from 939 to 944. His most notable achievement was defeating the Southern Han dynasty at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River in 938, ending 1,000 years of Chinese rule over Vietnam. This historic event is celebrated in Vietnamese national history. A central district in modern Haiphong is named after him, commemorating his significant role in Vietnamese independence.

Emperor Duy Tân was the 11th emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam, reigning for nine years. He is known for his efforts to modernize and reform the country, earning him the title "renovation." During his reign, he implemented various reforms in education, administration, and military, aiming to modernize Vietnam and improve the lives of its people. Duy Tân's professional life was marked by a strong commitment to progress and development, leaving a lasting impact on Vietnam's history and legacy.

Thành Thái reigned as emperor of Vietnam for 18 years, from 1889 to 1907. He is recognized as one of the three "patriotic emperors" in Vietnamese history, known for his opposition to French colonial rule. Thành Thái's professional life was characterized by his efforts to resist foreign influence and preserve Vietnamese independence. He played a significant role in advocating for Vietnamese sovereignty and protecting the country's cultural heritage during a period of intense political and social change.

Emperor Hàm Nghi was the eighth emperor of the Vietnamese Nguyễn dynasty, reigning for a brief period of one year. Despite his short reign, he played a significant role in Vietnamese history during a tumultuous time. He resisted French colonial rule and sought to assert Vietnam's independence. Emperor Hàm Nghi's steadfast opposition to foreign domination and his efforts to protect Vietnamese sovereignty made him a symbol of national resistance and a respected figure in Vietnamese history.

Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, also known as Đinh Tiên Hoàng, was the founding emperor of the Đinh dynasty of Vietnam. He played a crucial role in establishing Vietnamese independence and political unity in the 10th century. By defeating twelve rebellious warlords, he unified Vietnam and declared its independence from the Chinese Southern Han dynasty. Upon ascending the throne, he renamed the country Đại Cồ Việt. His leadership and military prowess solidified his legacy as the first emperor of Vietnam and a key figure in Vietnamese history.

The Trưng sisters were Luoyue military leaders who led a rebellion against Chinese domination of Vietnam. Trưng Trắc became the first female monarch and queen in Vietnamese history, earning the title Queen Trưng. Together with her sister Trưng Nhị, they ruled for three years and are celebrated as national heroines of Vietnam. Their leadership and bravery inspired many to join their cause in resisting foreign rule. Despite facing a formidable enemy in General Ma Yuan, the sisters fought valiantly until their deaths in battle.

Khải Định ascended to the throne as the 12th emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam, ruling from 1916 to 1925. During his reign, he undertook various initiatives to modernize and reform the country, including promoting education and implementing infrastructure projects. He was known for his interest in Western culture and architecture, which influenced his decisions in modernizing the imperial capital. Khải Định's reign was marked by efforts to strengthen Vietnam's position and adapt to the changing world around him.

Khúc Thừa Dụ was a prominent jiedushi of Tĩnh Hải quân during the early 10th century, operating under the Chinese Tang dynasty. He led the Khúc family in Hải Dương and gained renown for his wealth and generosity. As the Tang dynasty faced decline, Khúc Thừa Dụ assumed control of the region, marking the onset of an independent Vietnam. His leadership ushered in a new era of autonomy, laying the foundation for the region's prosperity. Upon his passing in 907, his son Khúc Hạo succeeded him, further strengthening the region's autonomy and prosperity.

Nguyễn Phúc Tần was a skilled ruler who led the Nguyễn lords in south Vietnam from 1648 to 1687. During his reign, Phúc Tần successfully ended the Trịnh–Nguyễn War and expanded his territory by annexing Champa lands. He demonstrated strategic prowess by repelling Trịnh attacks and securing a long-lasting truce. Phúc Tần's focus on governance and military strength allowed him to consolidate control over the southern provinces. His leadership paved the way for stability and territorial growth in the region.

Lê Thánh Tông was an emperor of Đại Việt from 1460 to 1497. He implemented extensive administrative, military, education, and fiscal reforms. Under his rule, there were conquests of Champa states and territorial expansion in the south. He led a cultural revolution that shifted power from the old aristocracy to literati scholars. His reign, known as the Prospered reign of Hồng Đức, was characterized by significant advancements in governance, military conquests, educational reforms, and cultural transformations.

Lý Nam Đế began his professional life as a magistrate in the Chinese Liang dynasty in Jiaozhou. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative skills during his tenure. His dedication to justice and governance caught the attention of his superiors, leading to his eventual rise to power as the founding emperor of the Early Lý dynasty of Vietnam. Lý Nam Đế's commitment to upholding the law and serving his people ultimately shaped his legacy as a respected ruler in Vietnamese history.

Setthathirath II was a significant figure in the history of the Lao Kingdom of Lān Xāng. He spent his early years in exile before reclaiming his throne through strategic military actions. He demonstrated leadership by successfully overthrowing rulers and securing his position as king. Setthathirath II took decisive steps to consolidate his power, such as relocating the sacred Prabang Buddha statue. His actions also led to the division of the Lao Kingdom into separate entities under his descendants, contributing to the complex political landscape of the region.