Rediscovering the Nanyue Kingdom

Cantonese shares more linguistic similarities with Vietnamese than it does with Mandarin Chinese. One could even argue that there are notably stronger kinship ties between Southern Chinese and Northern Vietnamese than between the regions of South China and North China, or even North Vietnam and South Vietnam.

Today, geopolitics and nation-building efforts have overshadowed these ties. However, 2200 years ago, there thrived the Kingdom of Nanyue, encompassing the territories that now constitute Guangdong, Guangxi, and Northern Vietnam. It was successful on its own terms, far from and beyond the conventional heartland of China. Discover a chapter of history that reveals the profound connections between these cultures and transcends the confines of modern borders.

The linguistic resemblances are largely attributable to the fact that during the Chinese dynasties’ thousand-year occupation of Vietnam, spanning from 111 BC to 938 AD, they deployed not Beijingers or people from Xi’An for military campaigns or administrative roles but rather those who spoke Cantonese and resided nearby. To give an example, the red envelopes that are joyfully passed around during Lunar New Year are known as “Hóng Bāo” in Mandarin (紅包). In contrast, it’s referred to as “Lai See” in Hong Kong and throughout South China’s Pearl River Delta, and in Vietnam, it’s called “Lì Xì.”

These linguistic similarities extend to various aspects of vocabulary. A few additional examples that come to mind include (without Chinese characters for ease of phonetic distinction):

But back to the Nanyue Kingdom (南越国), which was a short-lived kingdom long before “the Chinese domination of Vietnam” that existed in southern China and northern Vietnam from 204 to 111 BC. It was founded by Zhao Tuo (赵佗), a Chinese general who originally had been sent to the region by the Qin Dynasty. Zhao Tuo declared himself king after the Qin Dynasty up North collapsed in 206 BC.

The Nanyue Kingdom was a thriving maritime kingdom. It controlled the important trade routes between China and Southeast Asia. The kingdom also had a strong agricultural sector. The Nanyue people cultivated rice, sugarcane, and other crops.

The Nanyue Kingdom was also a center of culture and learning. The kingdom had its own language and writing system, mostly a Cantonese-Vietnamese hybrid. The Nanyue people also adopted many Chinese cultural practices, such as Confucianism and Taoism, which can still be seen throughout Vietnam today.

The Nanyue Kingdom’s Legacy

Despite its short existence, the Nanyue Kingdom had a lasting impact on the region. The kingdom helped to spread Cantonese culture and influence to Southeast Asia. The Nanyue Kingdom also played an important role in the development of maritime trade in the region.

The kingdom is also significant because it was one of the first independent kingdoms to emerge in Southeast Asia. The kingdom’s independence showed that the people of the region were capable of governing themselves. However, it did not survive for long, as it was ultimately conquered by the Han Dynasty of China in 111 BC.

The Nanyue Kingdom in Southeast Asia Today

The Nanyue Kingdom is barely remembered today in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, the kingdom is known as the Triệu Dynasty but not heavily covered in the school curriculum, even though the Triệu Dynasty is partly considered to be one of the first Vietnamese dynasties.

In China, the Nanyue Kingdom is seen as an important part of Chinese history, often underplaying the fact that it was somewhat of a rogue nation as the North was busy with consolidating power itself at the time. The kingdom is often cited as an example of the Qin and Han dynasties’ expansion into southern China.

The Nanyue Kingdom is a reminder of the long and rich history of Southeast Asia which deserves more attention. The kingdom also shows the importance of maritime trade and cultural exchange in the region.

Here are some additional interesting facts about the Nanyue Kingdom:

• The Nanyue Kingdom was known for its production of high-quality lacquerware and bronze work.

• The Nanyue Kingdom had a well-developed military. The kingdom’s army used a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and crossbows.

• The Nanyue Kingdom was also known for its elaborate tombs. The tombs of the Nanyue kings were filled with valuable treasures, such as gold, jade, and silk.

The Nanyue Kingdom’s Archaeological Importance

The Nanyue Kingdom is also significant for its archaeological importance. In recent years, archaeologists have discovered a number of important Nanyue Kingdom sites, including the tombs of the Nanyue kings and the ruins of the Nanyue Kingdom’s capital city, Panyu.

These archaeological discoveries have shed light on the Nanyue Kingdom’s culture, economy, and society. They have also shown that the Nanyue Kingdom was a more sophisticated and powerful kingdom than previously thought.

The Nanyue Kingdom is a fascinating and important period in Southeast Asian history. The kingdom’s short but vibrant existence helped to shape the region’s culture, economy, and politics.

Fun thought: Imagine the possibilities if this nation still thrived today. It’s intriguing to envision the potential of a united region featuring its industrious populace.