Lý Thường Kiệt, real name Ngô Tuấn, was a Vietnamese general and admiral of the Lý dynasty. He served as an official through the reign of Lý Thái Tông, Lý Thánh Tông and Lý Nhân Tông and was a general during the Song–Lý War.

The Lý dynasty, officially Great Cồ Việt from 1009 to 1054 and Great Việt from 1054 to 1225, was a Vietnamese dynasty that existed from 1009 to 1225. It was established by Lý Công Uẩn when he overthrew the Early Lê dynasty. The dynasty ended when empress regnant Lý Chiêu Hoàng was pressured to abdicate the throne in favor of her husband, Trần Cảnh in 1225, the dynasty lasts for 216 years. During Lý Thánh Tông's reign, the official name of the state was changed from Đại Cồ Việt to Đại Việt, a name that would remain Vietnam's official name until the onset of the 19th century.