Ly Thai Tong

Who was Ly Thai Tong?

Lý Thái Tông was the posthumous title of Lý Phật Mã, emperor of the Lý Dynasty of Đại Việt from 1028 to 1054. His father was Lý Công Uẩn, posthumously known as Lý Thái Tổ, the founder and the first emperor of the Lý Dynasty. During his reign, he built the basic bureaucratic infrastructure for the dynasty and was considered one of the greatest kings and emperors in Vietnamese history.

At the beginning of his reign, Thái Tông relied mostly on his father’s advisers who were left to him and together they crushed a rebellion led by two of his brothers challenging his throne. Later, he personally led an army to defeat yet another unsatisfied brother.

When his rule became more secure, Thái Tông started to demonstrate his unconventional style of governing. He promoted one of his favorite concubines to royal status. He rejected his officials’ advice and plowed the land himself during the spring plowing ceremony.

In 1039, Thái Tông had a serious discussion with his official about whether a good government depended upon strong personal leadership or a sophisticated institution. In the end, he accepted his official’s opinion and started to reform the government.