Early civilization of Vietnam, the Champa or Cham people were traders and seafarers that are now famed for creating truely master works of art (mainly scultpure).First heard of (in written texts of the Chinese) around the late 2nd century bce, they flourished and even ousted the ruling Han that had control of the north of Vietnam.

Their seafaring mercantilism led them to establish trade with India, where eventually Indian culture and Brahmism gained a foothold with the Cham as it did with so many other local peoples.

During the 4th century, China battled again to gain control of Viet Nam and eventually expelled the Champa, though they were not to relinquish a presence entirely until after the 10th century. Their work in sculpture is especially beautiful and you can find a fine display of their unique style at this link: Viettouch.com's Champa section