Overview
Silla (57 BC – 935 AD) was an ancient Korean kingdom that began in southeastern Korea and lasted for 992 years. Though it developed latest among the Three Kingdoms, it achieved the unification of the Three Kingdoms in 676, becoming the first unified dynasty in Korean Peninsula history.
Founding and Development
Foundation (57 BC)
Bak Hyeokgeose founded Saro-guk after being elected by six village chiefs in the Gyeongju area. According to mythology, he was born from an egg, hence the surname "Bak." Initially, the Bak, Seok, and Kim clans took turns inheriting the throne.
Maripgan Era (356-514)
During King Naemul (356-402), the Kim clan established hereditary succession. King Nulji repelled Japanese pirates with Goguryeo"s help.
King Era (514-654)
King Beopheung (514-540) officially adopted Buddhism and promulgated laws. King Jinheung (540-576) conquered the Han River basin, organized Hwarangdo as a national institution, and erected the King Jinheung Stele.
Unification of Three Kingdoms
Silla-Tang Alliance (648)
Queen Seondeok and Kim Chunchu (King Taejong Muyeol) formed an alliance with Tang China to prepare for conquering Baekje and Goguryeo.
Fall of Baekje (660)
King Taejong Muyeol and General Kim Yushin destroyed Baekje with Tang forces.
Fall of Goguryeo (668)
King Munmu allied with Tang to destroy Goguryeo.
Silla-Tang War and Unification (670-676)
Silla fought Tang, which sought to dominate the peninsula, winning at Battle of Maeso Fortress and Battle of Gibeolpo, completing the unification south of the Daedong River in 676.
Notable Kings
| King | Reign | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Bak Hyeokgeose | 57 BC-4 AD | Founded Silla |
| King Beopheung | 514-540 | Adopted Buddhism officially |
| King Jinheung | 540-576 | Han River conquest, Hwarangdo |
| Queen Seondeok | 632-647 | Built Cheomseongdae |
| King Taejong Muyeol | 654-661 | Destroyed Baekje |
| King Munmu | 661-681 | Completed unification |
Unified Silla (676-935)
The reigns of King Seongdeok and King Gyeongdeok saw flourishing Buddhist culture including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Emille Bell. After the 9th century, succession struggles and peasant rebellions led to decline. In 935, King Gyeongsun surrendered to Goryeo, ending Silla"s millennium.
Cultural Heritage
Silla"s heritage including Bulguksa, Seokguram, Cheomseongdae, and gold crowns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.