The Hong Bang Dynasty was a legendary and foundational period in Vietnamese history, believed to have existed from approximately 2879 BC to 258 BC, led by the mythical Hung kings who established the Van Lang kingdom. Although much of its history is based on myth and archaeological findings due to limited written evidence, the period is considered a crucial ancestor to modern Vietnam, characterized by the unification of tribal states and cultural development before being conquered by Thuc Phan (An Duong Vuong). Key Aspects of the Hong Bang Dynasty Mythological Origins: The dynasty's origins are rooted in legend, with the first king, Kinh Duong Vuong, establishing the kingdom of Van Lang, which was later succeeded by 18 Hung dynasties. Van Lang Kingdom: The state founded during this period was named Van Lang, located in the Red River delta and extending into southern China, marking the first monarchical regime and ruling family in Vietnam. Sources and Evidence: Due to a scarcity of written records from the time, the primary sources for understanding the Hong Bang period are archaeological artifacts from sites like the Dong Son culture and the vast body of legends passed down through oral tradition. Culmination and Transition: The period ended when the neighboring warlord Thuc Phan conquered Van Lang in 258 BC, uniting his kingdom with the conquered Van Lang to form the state of Au Lac under the name An Duong Vuong. Cultural Legacy: The Hong Bang era is significant for establishing the foundations of Vietnamese culture and the national identity, with the Hung kings revered as ancestors and cultural heroes. The Hùng kings are also central to Vietnamese national sentiment, with the Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư (Complete Book of the Historical Records of Đại Việt) formalizing their place in the official national history in the 15th century.