Title The origins of ancient Vietnam / Nam C. Kim

Published New York, N.Y. : Oxford University Press, 2015

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Description 1 online resource (xvii, 335 pages) Series Oxford studies in the archaeology of ancient states Oxford studies in the archaeology of ancient states. Contents In search of a prehistoric state -- Research setting -- The archaeology of complex societies and ancient states -- Forms of complexity in Southeast Asia -- War in the world, war in Southeast Asia -- Social change and emergent complexity in Bac Bo -- Previous research for the Co Loa site -- Recent field investigations at Co Loa -- An ancient city -- A prehistoric state -- The weight of the past and the pull of the present -- A prehistoric civilization found Summary This book is concerned with the origins of an ancient state in northern Vietnam, an area long believed to be the cradle of Vietnamese ethnic identity and civilization. This area has been referenced by Vietnamese and Chinese writers for over a millennium, many recording colorful tales and legends. One of the most enduring accounts is story of the Au Lac Kingdom and its purported capital, known as Co Loa. According to legend, the city was founded during the third century bc, and massive rampart walls were built to protect its rulers. Over the centuries, Co Loa has become emblematic of an important foundational era for Vietnamese civilization. Today, the ramparts still stand in silent testament to the power of past societies. Using the archaeological record to complement, support, and challenge traditional textual sources, this book considers trajectories of cultural change throughout the area's prehistory: from an era of scattered farming villages to a time when powerful societies emerged, marked by unprecedented social inequalities and consolidated forms of political power. Presented are newly gathered data indicating the founding of Co Loa by an ancient state, centuries before the area would be annexed by the Chinese Han Empire. The causal factors for these momentous developments are also considered, placing Co Loa within a wider global theoretical consideration of ancient cities, states, and civilizations. Finally, the book explores the complex relationship between the politics of the present and the material remains of the ancient past Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index Notes Vendor-supplied metadata Subject Archaeology and history -- Vietnam -- Red River Delta Social archaeology -- Vietnam -- Red River Delta Prehistoric peoples -- Vietnam -- Red River Delta Antiquities, Prehistoric -- Vietnam -- Red River Delta HISTORY -- Asia -- Southeast Asia. Antiquities Antiquities, Prehistoric Archaeology and history Prehistoric peoples Social archaeology SUBJECT Red River Delta (Vietnam) -- Antiquities Vietnam -- History -- To 939. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85143251 Subject Vietnam Vietnam -- Red River Delta Genre/Form History Form Electronic book LC no. 2015008763 ISBN 9780199980895 0199980896 9780190268879 0190268875

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