Zhao Tuo

Who was Zhao Tuo?

Zhao Tuo, was the founder of the kingdom of Nanyue. Zhao was a Chinese military commander who gained independence upon the collapse of the Qin Dynasty. Nanyue included northern Vietnam and parts of southern China. His capital was in Panyu, modern Guangzhou, China. His ruling circle included both ethnic Chinese and native Baiyue, and intermarriage and assimilation was encouraged.

In Vietnamese, Zhao Tuo is rendered as Triệu Đà, and the dynasty he founded is called the Triệu Dynasty. In traditional Vietnamese history, he is considered an emperor of Vietnam. However, some modern Vietnamese historians regard him as a foreigner who invaded Vietnam in 207 BC.