When mentioning the kings of Vietnam during the feudal era, one recalls numerous historical stories.
Records of Vietnamese Feudal Kings
The Youngest King to Ascend the Throne
King Lê Nhân Tông (1441 – 1459) ascended to the throne at the age of 1, making him the third king of the Later Lê dynasty. He reigned for 17 years from 1442 to 1459. Empress Dowager Tuyên Từ served as regent for King Lê Nhân Tông from his ascension until he took control in 1452. Even as a child, King Lê Nhân Tông displayed wisdom and kindness. However, he died young in 1459 due to an assassination by Lê Nghi Dân.
The King with the Longest Reign
King Lý Nhân Tông, the eldest son of Lý Thánh Tông, ascended the throne at the age of 7, with the support of Empress Dowager Ỷ Lan, Grand Chancellor Lý Đạo Thành, and General Lý Thường Kiệt in governance, leading to the strengthening of Đại Việt. He encouraged education and examinations based on Confucian principles, established the first national examination in Vietnam (1072), and founded the Quốc Tử Giám (Imperial Academy) in 1076.
Despite his long reign and numerous consorts, Lý Nhân Tông had no sons to succeed him. He appointed his nephew Lý Dương Hoán as crown prince, who later ascended the throne as Lý Thần Tông after his death. His total reign lasted 56 years.
The Longest-Lived King
Bảo Đại is recognized as the longest-lived king. Born in 1913 and passing away in 1997, he lived to be 85 years old. Bảo Đại was the 13th and final king of the Nguyễn dynasty and the last emperor of the Vietnamese monarchy. After abdicating, he lived in exile in France, where he eventually died.
Bảo Đại is recognized as the longest-lived king. (Image: Kiến Thức).
The Only Female King
That is Lý Chiêu Hoàng. She was the 9th and also the last emperor of the Lý dynasty. She ascended the throne during a tumultuous period in the country. After one year of ruling, she was persuaded by the commander Trần Thủ Độ to abdicate in favor of her husband, Trần Cảnh, marking the end of over 200 years of Lý rule.
The King with the Most Queens
King Lý Thái Tổ had a total of 9 queens. He was the founder of the Lý dynasty. During his reign from 1009 until his death in 1028, Lý Thái Tổ established 9 queens, including 6 in 1010 and 3 in 1016.
The King with the Most Children
King Minh Mạng (1790-1840) is often noted for his robust health. He did not have a queen but had many concubines, who bore him a total of 142 children, including 78 princes and 64 princesses.
Additionally, King Minh Mạng holds the record for being the king who expanded the territory the most, as the country grew from North to South under his reign.
The King with the Most Poems and Writings
This title belongs to King Tự Đức. He valued Confucianism, was a keen learner, well-informed, and passionate about poetry. He authored over 300 poems and writings, many in Classical Chinese, and also composed books in Nôm script to make them easier for the people to understand.
