Explore the remarkable story of the Trung sisters, two of Southeast Asia's most formidable women, in this 30-minute video from Wondrium's series "Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women before 1400." Delve into the first century CE as these legendary Vietnamese sisters recruit an army, ride war elephants, and recapture 65 cities from Chinese occupation. Trace the expansion of the Han Empire, the prosperity of the Red River Delta, and the cultural context that shaped the sisters' upbringing. Examine the political and economic factors leading to their rebellion, including Chinese conquest, taxation, and cultural impositions. Follow the dramatic events of their uprising, from initial victories to ultimate defeat, and understand their enduring legacy as symbols of Vietnamese independence. Gain insights into the complex interplay of gender, power, and cultural values in ancient Southeast Asia, and discover how the Trung sisters continue to be revered in modern-day Vietnam.
The Trung Sisters of Vietnam Fight the Han - Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals
Overview
Syllabus
Expansion of the Han Empire in the East
Trung Trac and Trung Nhi Challenge Historians
Circa 25 CE Life Prospers in the Red River Delta
Trac and Nhi Discover Relation to Hung Kings
Wealth Rises for River Tribes from Resource Export
Dong Son Culture Reveres Women
Widowed Mother Raises Trac and Nhi to Lead
111 BC Chinese Han Dynasty Conquers Vietnam
Chinese Trade and Silk Road Enrich Vietnamese
Rebellion Replaces Southern Han with Xin Dynasty
Eastern Han Emperor Guangwudi Raises Taxes
Guangwudi Introduces Iron Production
Han Confucianism Introduces Unwelcome Values
Chinese Sexual Legislation Mirrors Roman Empire Laws
Corrupt Ruler Su Ting Traumatizes Red River Delta
Trac´s Husband´s Murder Catalyzes Rebellion
Victorious Trac Is Proclaimed Queen
Guangwudi Disapproves of Female Trac Managing Delta
Guangwudi Methodically Prepares for War with Trac
Han General Ma Yuan Begins Long Trek to Battle Trac
Trung Sisters Engage Weakened Han Army in Delta
Trung Sisters Flee after Massive Defeat by Han Army
Deaths of the Trung Sisters
Ma Yuan Relentlessly Pursues and Massacres Trac Army
Ma Yuan Regains Chinese Dominance of Delta Region
Trungs Become Symbols of Vietnamese Independence
Chinese Rule Ends and Vietnamese Rulers Honor Trungs
Reverence of Trung Sisters Continues to Modern Day
Taught by
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