Metal Age (about 4,000 years ago)
Vietnam
existed three major cultural centers: Phung Nguyen - Dong Son (The North),
Long Thanh - Sa Huynh (The Centre) and Cau Sat, Doc Chua - Dong Nai
(The South) from Bronze Age to Iron Age. These three major cultural centers had
close and long mutual relationship, contributed to specific traditional culture
of Vietnam. It's unity in abundance.
Van Lang Nation
During
the Dong Son period, only one state had formed. The unified culture prevailing
in this region stretched from the Sino-Vietnamese border to the northern banks
of the Gianh River. The nation of the ancient Viet people existed as the Van
Lang Nation, which was ruled by the King Hung.
Au Lac Nation
A few
centuries later, An Duong Vuong founded the Au Lac Nation in the 3rd
century BC. Records of this Nation can be found in the annals written by the
Chinese historian, Xi Ma Tin. Remains of the Co Loa Citadel, which was built
during the An Duong Vuong period, can still be seen today.
Champa Nation
The
Pre-Sa Huynh culture evolved in South Central Vietnam during the Iron Age. The
people of this group lived between Thua Thien Hue and the Dong Nai River Delta.
At that time, people were buried in tombs which contained many tools made of
iron and jewelry made of agate and jasper. The Sa Huynh culture was founded by
the ancestors of the Cham who founded the Champa Kingdom.