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Vietnamese Architecture

 

Traditional Vietnamese architecture exemplifies harmony with nature. Buildings are on a human scale, typically surrounded by natural beauty, stressing the elements of earth, water, and greenery and the relationship among sky, earth, and human beings.-Mr. Nguyen Huu Thai

In this section you will explore two important historical sites: Chua Mot Cot,the One Pillar Pagoda, and the ruins at My Son.

Note: Please print the Architecture activity guide before you go on. It will help guide your quest and provide a place to record your findings. It is in PDF format (click here if you need Acrobat Reader).

Use these web sites to aid your search:

Questions:

Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda)
Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda), Hanoi, Vietnam
picture by euzkadi

1. The One Pillar Pagoda was first constructed when?

2. Legend has it that King Ly dreamed of the goddess ___________ ____________ sitting on a lotus leaf and offering him a _______________.

3. Because of the dream, who does the king marry?

4. The king and queen have a baby ______________.

5. In gratitude, what does the king built to honor the goddess?

6. Some say that the pagoda resembles a _________________ climbing out of the water.

7. The pagoda was destroyed a number of times over the __________________.

8. The last time was in ______________ when the French retreated (left Vietnam after ruling the country).

The Ruins of My Son

1. What was the center of Champa Culture and when did it flourish?

2. What three things did the Champa kingdom borrow from Indian culture?

  • ____________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________

3. When did the Champa kingdom end?

4. What happened to the Champa kingdom?

5. North Vietnam was influenced by Chinese architecture and art. What kept My Son from being influenced by the Chinese?

6. My Son traded with what two places?

  • __________________________________________
  • __________________________________________

7. What did the builders at My Son “glue” the bricks together?

8. What damaged My Son?

Additional Resources: