Vietnam has one of the oldest and most continuous histories of any nation. The area has been inhabited by some of the world’s earliest societies. The needs to control flooding along the Red River and fight off invaders caused the inhabitants to form one cohesive government early on in 2879 BC. The region’s elongated and unique topography allowed the successful defense of its borders from invaders over the centuries until it fell to Chinese control for 1100 years. During this time of Chinese influence, much of the native Vietnamese culture and heritage was lost or absorbed. During this same period of time, the Funanese and Cham civilizations also thrived in Vietnam.

In the 10th century, native Vietnamese people began to take back and re-established a sovereign state. Ngo Quyen was the first King of Vietnam, reigning from 939-944. Then began a 1000 year period of reigning dynasties which advanced the accomplishments of the independent nation once again. At various times during these dynastic periods, Vietnam succumbed to civil wars and interventions by the Mongols, Chams, Manchus, Dutch, French and Americans. The Ming Empire conquered the country for a while before native Vietnamese regained their sovereignty.