Historical Capitals of the World

Bạch Hạc District

Country: Vietnam

Region: Asia

Period: 2524-258BCE

Location: 21.281667°N, 105.441944°E

Description

Phong Châu, in modern-day Phú Thọ Province, Vietnam, was the legendary capital of Văn Lang, the first known Vietnamese state, traditionally ruled by the Hùng Kings of the Hồng Bàng dynasty (c. 2879–258 BCE). Nestled in the Red River Delta, it served as the political and spiritual center of the early Vietnamese civilization and is often associated with the dawn of Vietnamese national identity.

Modern Remains

While much of ancient Phong Châu has vanished, the area remains a revered historical site. The Hùng Temple Complex (Đền Hùng) on Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain is a major pilgrimage destination, featuring temples, tombs, and monuments honoring the Hùng Kings. Archaeological finds in the region include bronze drums, tools, and pottery linked to the Đông Sơn culture, offering insight into early Vietnamese civilization and reinforcing Phú Thọ’s importance in national heritage.

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