Le Hien Tong

Who was Le Hien Tong?

Lê Hiển Tông, born Lê Duy Hiệu, was the second-last king of Vietnamese Lê Dynasty. He reigned from 1740 to 1786 and was succeeded by his grandson Lê Duy Kỳ.

At the time Vietnam was under the power of the Trịnh Lords. Trịnh Giang ruled 1729-1740 with the title Uy Nam Vương during the reign of Lê Thun Tông and Lê Ý Tông but was deposed due to poor leadership. Trịnh Doanh ruled 1740-1767 with the title Minh Do Vương, ruling in the first part of the reign of Lê Hiển Tông. He was followed by Trịnh Sâm who ruled 1767-1782 with the title Tinh Do Vương. At this point the Lê dynasty began to regain its power.