History of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: The Formation and Role of Vietnam's First Capital

After more than a millennium of Northern domination and a period of turmoil at the end of the Ngo Dynasty, the country fell into division and chaos due to the "Anarchy of the 12 Warlords". In that context, Dinh Bo Linh (born in 924), a native of Hoa Lu, step by step affirmed his talent and will from a local leader of humble origin. With military courage and the ability to win people's hearts, he defeated the warlords one after another, unified the country, and ended the prolonged period of division. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended the throne as emperor, taking the title Dinh Tien Hoang, officially establishing Dai Co Viet - the first official title of the independent feudal state of Vietnam.

Choosing Hoa Lu as the capital not only held military and geographical significance, but also marked an important turning point in the nation's history, opening up an era of independence and autonomy, and laying the foundation for the future development of the Dai Viet state.

Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital thanks to its "strategic mountain and river terrain" – an ideal natural citadel for defense:

• Outer Citadel (about 140 ha): Main palace area, administrative center.
• Inner Citadel: Place of the royal palace.
• South Citadel (or Trang An): Rugged military base, combining limestone mountains, Hoang Long River, and surrounding plains to form a natural deep moat.

The capital covered about 300 hectares, surrounded by rolling mountain ranges like a screen (Ma Yen mountain, karst mountain ranges), combined with earth walls, palaces, temples, and moat systems. The architecture harmoniously blended artificial and natural elements, making full use of Trang An's characteristic karst terrain.

In 970, Dinh Tien Hoang minted the first Vietnamese coin, marking the birth of an independent economic and financial system. By 976, foreign merchant ships had arrived at Hoa Lu to exchange goods, proving that the capital early became a trading center.

Hoa Lu served as the capital of the Dai Co Viet state for 42 years (968 – 1010), closely associated with the first three dynasties of the independent feudal period:

• Dinh Dynasty (968-980): 12 years, Dinh Tien Hoang and Dinh Toan.
• Early Le Dynasty (980-1009): 29 years, Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan), Le Trung Tong, Le Long Dinh.
• Beginning of the Ly Dynasty (1009-1010): Ly Thai To temporarily established the capital for 1 year before moving it.

Major Milestones:

• National Unification: Ended the anarchy of the 12 warlords, built a centralized state.
• Defeating Song - Pacifying Champa: Le Dai Hanh led the army and people of Dai Co Viet to defeat the invading Song army (in 981) and attacks from Champa, safeguarding sovereignty.
• Economic and Cultural Development: Issued currency, engaged in international trade, constructed palaces and pagodas (such as Nhat Tru Pagoda built by Le Dai Hanh).
• Origin of Hanoi's Capital Settlement: In 1010, Ly Thai To moved the capital to Dai La (Thang Long - Hanoi) because Hoa Lu was narrow and hard to expand. This decision ushered in the prosperous Thang Long era.

After moving the capital, Hoa Lu became the Ancient Capital, remaining an important military base through the Ly - Tran - Le - Nguyen dynasties. Subsequent kings continued to restore temples and tombs, expressing respect for their roots.

When visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, tourists can explore a system of typical historical relics, clearly reflecting the mark of the first capital in Vietnam's feudal history. This special national relic complex includes many works of architectural, cultural, and historical value:

• King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and King Le Dai Hanh Temple: Architecture in the style of "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc", featuring exquisite wood carving art from the 17th century.
• King Dinh Tomb (Ma Yen Mountain) and King Le Tomb (foot of the mountain): Shaped like a saddle, symbolizing martial spirit and power at that time.
• Nhat Tru Pagoda: Possessing the oldest stone sutra pillar in Vietnam, dating back to the 10th century.
• Am Tien Cave, Salt Cave, Quan Cave: Storage and defensive areas during historical times.
• Cau Ren Stele, Yen Thanh Communal House: Structures reflecting community life and ancient transport systems.

These relics not only carry value in historical preservation but also contribute to recreating an important period in the process of the nation's formation and development.

Today, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only a place for historical research but also an attractive tourist destination. Visitors can combine visits to Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong for a complete experience. The annual Hoa Lu Festival (3rd lunar month) reenacts ancient rituals, bringing vibrant cultural values.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, although serving as the imperial capital for a mere 42 years in history, has etched an indelible golden millennium. This "stone capital" land was not only a witness to the birth and consolidation of the first centralized feudal state, but also a solid fortress protecting the young independent and sovereign nation. Today, when stepping into the Trang An World Heritage complex, visitors joining the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital tour not only admire the majestic beauty of the mountains, but also feel the solemn dignity emanating from the thousand-year-old relics. Hoa Lu brilliantly fulfilled its historical mission, leaving future generations an invaluable Cultural and Natural Heritage – a powerful reminder of national origins and the resilient spirit of our ancestors.