In the 7th century BC., the first state of Van Lang was created on the basis of Dong Son culture’s development. Its capital was in Phong Chau (now Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province). In the 3rd century BC, the Van Lang state fell into decline and Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong unified people of the Au Viet and Lac Viet together to form the Au Lac state and set its capital in Co Loa (now Hanoi). The material and spiritual life of Van Lang–Au Lac people is richly reflected through legends, ancient Vietnamese and Chinese documents, as well as relics and festivals in the North and the Northern part of the Central region (mostly in Phu Tho province). It is also manifested through archeological discoveries of the Dong Son culture such as bronze drums, labor tools, weapons, tombs, etc. These materials provide vivid evidences for the existence of the Van Lang–Au Lac states in the first period of nation building which laid the strong foundation for the country’s development.
