Which monarch, nicknamed the 'black king', had to learn to read and write by rote?

He was King Mai Hac De, real name Mai Thuc Loan, originally from Loc Ha district, Ha Tinh province.

According to some recorded documents, Mai Thuc Loan was born at the end of the 7th century. At the age of 10, his mother died, and shortly after, his father also died. He was taken in by his father's friend.

Due to his poverty, Mai Thuc Loan was not able to go to school. Because he lived next to a wealthy family, who had a teacher in their house, Mai Thuc Loan eavesdropped on his lectures and thus learned about the books of the sages. The teacher also often advised and encouraged Mai Thuc Loan to study and enlightened him about the history of the country.

Mai Hac De is known as the "black king". (Illustration photo)

At that time, the country was in turmoil, not willing to accept the domination of the Northern invaders, Mai Thuc Loan recruited young men in the region to plan great things.

With his call, a large number of people joined the uprising. In 713, Mai Thuc Loan's army quickly captured Hoan Chau. People from neighboring areas such as Ai Chau (Thanh Hoa), Dien Chau (Nghe An) also rose up in response, gathering under Mai Thuc Loan's flag.

Mai Thuc Loan was later crowned emperor by the army and people, with the title Hac De, meaning black king. Some books record that he took this title because of his distinctive black skin color. Under his reign, our country gained independence and autonomy for nearly 10 years (713-722).

After Mai Hac De passed away, to commemorate his contributions and those of his generals, people in many places honored him as a God of Fortune and built temples to worship him.

Kim Nha

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/vi-quan-vuong-nao-duoc-menh-danh-vua-den-tung-phai-di-hoc-lom-chu-ar898693.html