Au Lac

Au Lac was a state in Vietnam (Southeast Asia) that lasted from 257 to 179 BCE, about 78 years. Its people spoke Austroasiatic languages (Khmer, Mon, Vietnamese, Munda).

An Duong Vuong united the Lac Viet and Au Viet and built the spiral ramparts of Co Loa near Hanoi. Zhao Tuo of Nanyue conquered it in 179 BCE.

See Au Lac on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: 257 to 179 BCE
Duration: 78 years
Type: State
Region: Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Language family: Austroasiatic
Capital: Co Loa

Came from

Van Lang c. 700 to 258 BCE

Became

Nanyue (Nam Viet) 204 to 111 BCE

Neighbours in Southeast Asia

Pyu city-states c. 200 BCE to 1050 CE
Nanyue (Nam Viet) 204 to 111 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE, North and West Africa
Roman Republic 509 to 27 BCE, Europe
Parthian Empire 247 BCE to 224 CE, Middle East
Xiongnu Empire c. 209 BCE to 93 CE, Central and North Asia
Ptolemaic Kingdom 305 to 30 BCE, North and West Africa
Western Han 202 BCE to 9 CE, East Asia
Maurya Empire 322 to 185 BCE, South Asia
Qin dynasty 221 to 206 BCE, East Asia

Questions

When did Au Lac exist?

257 to 179 BCE, about 78 years.

Where was Au Lac?

Vietnam, in Southeast Asia. Its capital was Co Loa.

What language did Au Lac speak?

Austroasiatic. This family includes Khmer, Mon, Vietnamese, Munda.

What came before Au Lac?

Van Lang.

What came after Au Lac?

Nanyue (Nam Viet).