Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel (Thanh Co Loa), the first fortified citadel recorded in Vietnamese history, dates from the 3rd century BC. Only vestiges of the massive ancient ramparts, which enclosed an area of about 5 sp, are extant. Co Loa became the national capital during the Ngo Quyen reign (939 – 44 AD). In the centre of the citadel are temples dedicated to King An Duong Vuong (ruled 256-208 BC), who founded the legendary Thuc Dynasty, and his daughter My Nuong. When My Nuong showed her father’s magic crossbow trigger – which made the Vietnamese king invincible in battle – to her husband (who was the son of a Chinese general), he stole it and gave it to his father. With its help, the Chinese were able to defeat An Duong Vuong and his forces, depriving Vietnam of its dependence.