FAQ

What is the difference between Funan and Óc Eo?

Funan (扶南) was the kingdom—a maritime polity that controlled trade in mainland Southeast Asia from roughly the 1st to 7th century CE. Óc Eo was Funan's principal port city, located in what is now An Giang Province, Vietnam. The relationship is similar to Rome (city) and the Roman Empire (kingdom). Óc Eo was the commercial heart of Funan, where goods from China, India, Persia, and Rome were exchanged.

Why is it called Kattigara?

Kattigara (Κατιγάρα) is the name given by the Greek geographer Ptolemy (c. 150 CE) to a port at the far eastern end of the known world. Based on Ptolemy's coordinates (177° longitude, 8°30' south latitude) and the discovery of Roman artifacts at Óc Eo, scholars identify Kattigara with this Funanese port.

The name may derive from a local term for the port. Albrecht Dihle argued in 1964 that "from the account of the voyage of Alexander referred to by Ptolemy, Kattigara can actually be located only in the Mekong delta."

What does "Óc Eo" mean?

The name "Óc Eo" is modern Vietnamese and may derive from Khmer or an earlier local language. The ancient name of the port is unknown—"Kattigara" is the Greek name recorded by Ptolemy. Chinese sources simply refer to it as part of Funan (扶南).

What happened to Funan?

Funan was conquered by its former vassal state Chenla in the late 6th to early 7th century CE. Chinese sources record that Chenla attacked from the north and absorbed Funan's territory. The last Funanese embassy to China was in 539 CE.

Chenla later split into "Land Chenla" and "Water Chenla," and eventually consolidated into the Khmer Empire with its capital at Angkor. Thus, Funan's cultural and political legacy continued through the Khmer civilization.

Were the Funanese people Khmer?

This is debated among scholars. Chinese sources describe the Funanese as "ugly and black with curly hair" and "naked and barefoot," which describes Austronesian or Mon-Khmer peoples. The language of Funan is unknown, as all inscriptions are in Sanskrit.

Many scholars believe the population was primarily Austronesian (related to Cham and Malay peoples) with later Mon-Khmer influence. The kingdom's elite used Sanskrit and adopted Indian religious practices, but the common people likely spoke local languages.

Did Romans actually visit Óc Eo?

The Roman artifacts found at Óc Eo (medallions of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius) don't necessarily mean Romans visited personally. These items likely arrived through intermediary traders—Indian, Persian, or Southeast Asian merchants who participated in the maritime trade network.

However, the 166 CE embassy to China "claiming to represent Marcus Aurelius" (recorded in Chinese sources) suggests some Romans or their agents did travel this far. Whether they were genuine Roman officials or merchants using Roman credentials is unknown.

Can I see the Roman medallions?

Yes! The Roman medallions and most major Óc Eo artifacts are displayed at the Museum of Vietnamese History in Hồ Chí Minh City (2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, District 1). The Óc Eo Culture Museum at the archaeological site has replica displays and artifacts from more recent excavations, but the original Roman medallions, K5 inscription, and Vishnu statue are in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Is there much to see at the actual site?

The Óc Eo archaeological site is primarily visible as earthwork ruins—canal outlines, mound foundations, and brick structures. It's not as visually dramatic as Angkor Wat, but the Óc Eo Culture Museum provides excellent context and displays.

The experience is best for those interested in archaeology and ancient history. Ba The Mountain adjacent to the site offers temples and scenic views of the Mekong Delta landscape that Funan merchants once navigated.

Is Óc Eo a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Not yet, but Óc Eo-Ba The was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2022. Vietnam is preparing the full nomination dossier. The site was designated a Special National Monument in 2012, the highest level of protection under Vietnamese law. The 433.2-hectare protected area includes archaeological remains and Ba The Mountain.