Trieu Quoc Dat (Triệu Quốc Đạt / 赵国达; d. 248), was an illustrious indigenous leader, district magistrate, and military commander of Cuu Chan (modern Thanh Hoa, Vietnam) during the Three Kingdoms era. He was the elder brother of the immortal Vietnamese national heroine Lady Trieu (Ba Trieu / Triệu Thị Trinh).
Holding authority as a respected local chieftain and magistrate, Trieu Quoc Dat was deeply outraged by the brutal tax exactions, forced labor, and colonial oppression imposed by the Eastern Wu administration under Sun Quan. In 248 AD, Trieu Quoc Dat and his sister Lady Trieu mobilized thousands of Vietnamese warriors and mountain tribesmen, launching a grand national uprising against Wu rule. They stormed and liberated multiple commanderies, driving the Wu magistrates into the sea. When Trieu Quoc Dat fell critically ill and died during the campaign, Lady Trieu assumed supreme command of the army, riding an armored elephant into battle to continue their holy war for freedom.
Contents
Role in History & Vietnamese Annals (Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu)
Complete Annals of Dai Viet (Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu, Outer Annals vol. 3): “In the year 248, Trieu Quoc Dat and his younger sister Trieu Thi Trinh raised troops in Cuu Chan to overthrow the Wu oppressors. Quoc Dat possessed righteous courage; when he fell ill, his sister succeeded him at the head of the elephant legions.”
Trieu Quoc Dat — Historical & Literary Timeline
Three Kingdoms (Wu)
Chieftain of Cuu Chan
Governs indigenous communities in Thanh Hoa with upright authority.
248
Launching the Anti-Wu Uprising
Raises the banner of revolt alongside Lady Trieu, annihilating Eastern Wu garrisons.
248
Passing & Succession
Succumbs to illness during the siege; succeeded in command by his sister Lady Trieu.
Key Relationships
Family
- Sister Lady Trieu (Ba Trieu / Triệu Thị Trinh): Legendary heroine who rode an armored elephant to fight Eastern Wu.
Friends
- Indigenous Warriors Tribal captains of Cuu Chan: Followed the Trieu family banner into battle.
Enemies
- Eastern Wu Oppressors Lu Yin (陆胤, Lục Dận): Wu general dispatched by Sun Quan with 8,000 troops to suppress the rebellion.
Other
- Emperor of Wu Sun Quan (孙权): Ruler whose colonial administrators sparked the uprising.
In Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu
“The brother struck the sparks of rebellion; the sister fanned them into a wildfire that burned the Wu fleets upon the sea.”
Cultural Significance
Trieu Quoc Dat is venerated alongside Lady Trieu in Vietnamese temples and historical records as an early pioneer of national independence against foreign colonial domination.