The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 under the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucius and later used as a royal school, where Emperor Ly Nhan Tong studied when he was a five- year-old prince.

          The Imperial Academy, which can be considered Vietnam’s first university, was built in 1076 next to the temple. Over the next seven centuries and more, the university produced thousands of scholars for the country. Under the reign of Emperor Tran Minh Tong (1314-1329), the teacher Chu Van An, was appointed the school’s principal. After his death in 1370, Emperor Tran Nghe Tong (1321 - 1394) had him worshiped beside Confucius at the Temple of Literature. Many schools in Vietnam are also named after Chu Ban An.

          In 1946, the Imperial Academy in Hanoi was destroyed by French bombing, but gradually restored later.

          To enter the main area of the Temple of Literature, visitors must go through three gates. The first gate is called Van Mieu Mon; the second is called Dai Trung Mon and the third, Dai Thanh Mon.

          In the space between Dai Trung Mon and Dai Thanh Mon is the one-storey, two-roof pavilion called Khue Van Cac. Behind Khue Van Cac is the Thien Quang Tinh (Well of Heavenly Clarity), on either side of which 41 Doctors’ stone tablets stand in two rows. They stand upon stone turtles with the names and birthplaces of successful doctoral candidates from the examinations held at the Imperial Academy from 1484 to 1780.

          Now as a major tourist site, the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy also hosts award ceremonies to recognize outstanding students. An annual poetry festival is held here on the 15th of the first lunar month.

1. What was the Temple of Literature built for?

2. What was the Imperial Academy considered?

3. What did the Imperial Academy do for the country at that time?

4. Who was Chu Van An? Where was he worshiped?

5. How many Doctors’ stone tablets are there? Where are they?