179: Nanyue Conquers Au Lac - Scroll Down for more details

The Conquest of Au Lac: Nanyue's Expansion in 179 BCE

The Fall of Au Lac and the Rise of Nanyue

In 179 BCE, the kingdom of Nanyue (Nan Yue), under the rule of Zhao Tuo (Triệu Đà in Vietnamese), conquered the neighboring kingdom of Au Lac (Âu Lạc), marking a pivotal moment in the history of southern China and northern Vietnam.

Background: The Kingdoms of Nanyue and Au Lac

• Nanyue was a powerful kingdom founded by Zhao Tuo, a former Qin dynasty general who declared independence after the collapse of the Qin Empire in 206 BCE. Based in modern-day Guangdong and Guangxi, Nanyue was a multi-ethnic state with a mix of Yue (Baiyue) and Han Chinese influences.
  
• Au Lac was a Vietnamese kingdom established in 257 BCE by An Dương Vương, who had previously defeated the semi-legendary Van Lang kingdom. Its capital, Co Loa, was a fortified city near present-day Hanoi, protected by massive earthen walls and advanced bronze weaponry.

The Conflict and Conquest

According to Vietnamese historical texts like the Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt), Zhao Tuo launched multiple invasions against Au Lac but initially failed due to its strong defenses. However, through deception and internal betrayal, Nanyue eventually succeeded:
1. Diplomatic Marriage {content}amp; Treachery - Zhao Tuo arranged a marriage between his son, Zhong Shi (Trọng Thủy), and An Dương Vương's daughter, My Chau (Mỵ Châu). Zhong Shi allegedly spied on Au Lac's defenses.
2. The Legend of the Golden Turtle's Claw - A myth states that a magical crossbow, gifted by a golden turtle spirit, protected Au Lac. Zhong Shi sabotaged the weapon, weakening the kingdom.
3. Final Invasion - In 179 BCE, Zhao Tuo's forces attacked again, and with Au Lac's defenses compromised, the kingdom fell. An Dương Vương fled and, according to legend, drowned himself in despair.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Nanyue's Domination - Au Lac was absorbed into Nanyue, extending Zhao Tuo's rule over much of modern-day northern Vietnam.
  
• Cultural Influence - The conquest introduced greater Han Chinese administrative practices to the region, though local Yue customs persisted.
  
• Vietnamese Resistance - The fall of Au Lac became a symbol of resistance in Vietnamese folklore, with stories like My Chau and Trong Thuy emphasizing betrayal and national identity.

Historical Debate

While Chinese records confirm Nanyue's dominance, Vietnamese traditions emphasize Au Lac's resistance and the treachery involved. Archaeological evidence, such as the Co Loa Citadel ruins, supports the existence of a fortified kingdom, but details of the conquest remain partly legendary.

This event laid the groundwork for centuries of Chinese influence in Vietnam, setting the stage for future conflicts, including the eventual rebellion of the Trưng Sisters in 40 CE.

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