(VOVworld)- An exhibition on Vietnam's names and capitals through historical periods was opened at the Hue Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on September 1 on the occasion of the 71st National Day (September 2).

On display are photos and copies of 18 pages of royal documents and 18 pages of woodblocks of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).  Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre Phan Thanh Hai said that in the history, Vietnam had its capital city moved and its country name changed many times, which were all recorded on dynasties’ documents with those of the Nguyen dynasty – the final monarchy of Vietnam – being the most updated.

The royal documents and woodblocks showed that since the initial stage to 1945, the nation experienced nine changes of name, from Xich Quy to Van Lang, Au Lac, Van Xuan, Dai Co Viet, Dai Viet, Dai Ngu, Dai Nam and Vietnam at present.

The birth of the name Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty was an important historical milestone, he added. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until December 1.-