Nguyễn Kim

Timeline

1. 1476–1510Thanh Hóa · Thanh Hóa ProvinceBorn into a prominent local family in Thanh Hóa, he received a Confucian education in his youth and took part in local military and political affairs. In the early 16th century, as the Later Lê dynasty declined and powerful ministers usurped authority, he built up personal connections and armed forces locally.
2. 1511–1538Quảng Nam · Quảng Nam–Đà Nẵng regionAfter Mạc Đăng Dung usurped the throne, Nguyễn Kim contacted scholars and gentry in the south and the Thanh Hóa–Quảng Nam area, accumulating forces while awaiting an opportunity to restore the Lê dynasty, and established contacts with local powers such as the Trịnh clan.
3. 1539–1543Huế · Thừa Thiên–Huế ProvinceIn 1539 at Huế he enthroned Lê Duy Ninh, a descendant of the Lê house, as emperor, took the title 'Duke Who Rectifies the State' (Khuông Quốc Công), and organized a coalition army for the 'Restore the Lê' campaign to march north. In 1543, while attacking Ninh Bình, he was ambushed by Mạc forces, wounded, and forced to withdraw.
4. 1544–1545Huế · VietnamHe died in Huế of his severe wounds. His son Nguyễn Hoàng inherited his political legacy and later migrated south to establish the Quảng Nam Nguyễn regime, forming a long-term standoff with the Lê–Trịnh regime in the north.