Vietnam: Emperor Le Dai Hanh Temple (Le Hoan), Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Province

The Den Emperor Le Dai Hanh temple is dedicated to the founder of the Early Le Dynasty (980–1005), a patriot who defeated a Chinese invasion in 981. He also replaced Chinese currency with Vietnamese coinage and took steps to begin the conquest of Champa to the south, forcing the Cham king to pay tribute and carrying back the Cham royal ballet to perform at Hoa Lu.

Lê Hoàn (941–1005), posthumous name Lê Đại Hành, was a king and emperor of Đại Cồ Việt (Vietnam) under the Anterior Lê Dynasty. He was the commander in chief of the army of Emperor Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, but he also had an illicit relationship with the Empress Dowager, dethroned Đinh Bộ Lĩnh’s heir and proclaimed himself king in 980.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia