Lesson 3: The Late Au Lac Period and the Mai Thuc Loan Uprising
(Baonghean)This period left a profound mark on our nation's history, showcasing the indomitable spirit and unwavering resistance of our people against the feudal rule of the North for over a thousand years. The historical and cultural relics from this period contribute to recording that legacy.
From the sediments of Cuong Temple
In 257 BC, Thục Phán, the leader of the Âu Việt people in the north of Văn Lang, drove out the 18th Hùng Vương of the Lạc Việt people, incorporating Văn Lang into his territory to form Âu Lạc, proclaiming himself An Dương Vương, and establishing his capital in Cổ Loa (Đông Anh - Hanoi). In 179 BC, Triệu Đà invaded Vietnam. According to legend, after several unsuccessful attacks, Triệu Đà made peace and then planned to propose marriage between his son Trọng Thủy and An Dương Vương's daughter, Mỵ Châu, with Trọng Thủy becoming a son-in-law and then stealing the "magic crossbow," thereby defeating the Âu Lạc army. The legend concludes at Mộ Dạ mountain, Cao Xá commune, Diễn Châu prefecture (now Diễn An commune, Diễn Châu district).
The Shu Dynasty began in Co Loa and ended in Nghe An from 275 BC to 208 BC. Despite its defeat, King An Duong of Shu expanded the territory, upheld the spirit of independence, displayed heroic courage, and possessed strategic brilliance in defeating the Qin army, earning the respect of the people. To commemorate his contributions, as one of the early kings of our nation, in addition to his temple in Co Loa, the people also worship him at Cuong Temple – a temple located halfway up Mo Da Mountain, a peak in the Dai Hai mountain range, the last branch of the Truong Son mountain range.
Temple of King An Duong Vuong
Cuong Temple is a historical site recognized by the State and a scenic spot that anyone who visits will find unforgettable due to the harmonious blend of architecture and natural beauty. The massive, sturdy structures exude a gentle, ethereal beauty thanks to the delicately carved details. The mountains of the Dai Hai range and even the rocks all hold legends about Thuc An Duong Vuong. The chessboard-shaped rock is where Thuc An Duong Vuong sat to play chess with the Golden Turtle God who emerged from the sea. In addition, there are Kiem Mountain and Dau Can Mountain in Nghi Thiet commune (Nghi Loc district), Mua Mountain (Mu Mountain) in Dien Phu commune, Ma Yen Mountain (Yen Ngua Mountain) in Dien Tho commune (Dien Chau district)... each mountain named after an object found on Thuc An Duong Vuong's body. Not far from Cuong Temple is a small shrine dedicated to Princess My Chau. In Nghe An, there are also several other relics related to Thuc An Duong Vuong, such as the Dragon Pagoda Citadel in Quy Chau, which is traditionally believed to be the place of worship for Thuc An Duong Vuong's son; in addition, there is the Cao family ancestral temple and Xuan Ai communal house in Dien Tho...
Before the August Revolution of 1945, the Cuong Temple held annual ceremonies to worship the gods, with a grand ceremony called the National Ceremony on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, unlike the festivals held at Co Loa. During the years of resistance, the temple was damaged and destroyed, and many ceremonial activities were therefore somewhat limited.
Visiting the tomb of King Mai
After conquering Âu Lạc, Triệu Đà divided the country into two districts for governance. During the long period of Northern domination, the people suffered greatly. Many uprisings broke out during this time. In the early 8th century, a major uprising erupted from Hoan Châu (present-day Nghệ An) – the Mai Thúc Loan rebellion.
The King Mai Festival is held every January.
Mai Thúc Loan was born in Ngọc Trừng hamlet, near Dẻ mountain (Nam Đàn district). Understanding the suffering and humiliation of the people who had lost their country and hating the invaders, he rallied the people to rise up in rebellion against the Tang dynasty in April of the year 713 (Quý Sửu). In 722, defeated by the sudden and overwhelming siege of the Tang general Yang Si Xu, Mai Thúc Loan was severely wounded and died at Đụn Sơn mountain, ending the 10-year rebellion. This was the most representative rebellion of the patriotic spirit of the people of Nghệ An province. After this rebellion, the Tang dynasty had to abandon the tribute system and change some of its policies of governing the Vietnamese people.
When Mai Thúc Loan died, the people built his tomb on Đụn Sơn mountain, the rear base of the rebel army and the place where he breathed his last (now in Vân Diên commune, Nam Đàn district). The Mai Thúc Loan Temple, initially a small, simple structure, was rebuilt into a grand and majestic temple in the second year of Minh Mệnh's reign (1812). Currently, after several renovations and restorations, although not as magnificent and imposing as before, what remains of the temple reflects the gratitude and admiration of future generations for Mai Thúc Loan.
From the King Mai temple, visitors can follow dike 42 or take a boat along the left bank of the Lam River for about 3km to the west to reach the King Mai tomb, located in a narrow valley at the foot of Dun Son mountain. According to legend, this is where the remains of King Mai and his son, Mai Thuc Huy, are kept. After the war, since 1997, and especially in recent years, the King Mai tomb has been meticulously restored and renovated, becoming grand and befitting the name and status of this national hero.
Interestingly, scattered around the King Mai Temple, within a radius of less than 4km, are numerous relics and landmarks associated with the name and achievements of King Mai, forming a unique complex of historical sites with significant potential for tourism development. These include the tomb of King Mai's mother on Gie Mountain (Nam Thai commune), the Nam Son Temple - dedicated to a general who served as one of King Mai's four pillars of the court (Van Dien commune), Ngoc Dai Son - the headquarters of King Mai's army (Van Dien commune), and Elephant Mountain - where the Tang army established its main base and launched attacks on Van An citadel (Nam Tan commune). Currently, these relics are being preserved and promoted by Nam Dan district.
1. In the spring of the Year of the Rooster (1993), Dien Chau district decided to designate the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month as the annual Cuong Temple Festival. After several renovations and restorations, in 2004, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism approved the provincial People's Committee's plan to establish a project for the preservation and restoration of the Cuong Temple relic. In 2005, the Cuong Temple relic project commenced. In 2006, the main items were completed, including: preservation, restoration and upgrading of the Cuong Temple; construction of the relic management board's office, a parking system, and upgrading and expanding the festival grounds. Currently, the district is undertaking a project to restore the My Chau shrine and the Trong Thuy well (destroyed during the war) with a total area of approximately 2000m2, and plans to add the Than rock, the Kim Quy tower, and expand the auxiliary grounds to serve as a camping area for the festival... |
Thanh Thủy - Thanh Lê
