Overview
Silla was an ancient kingdom ruled by 56 kings for approximately 992 years from 57 BC to 935 AD. Founded by Bak Hyeokgeose, it surrendered to Goryeo during King Gyeongsun's reign.
Notable Kings (Selected)
| No. | King | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyeokgeose | 57 BC-4 AD | Founder of Silla |
| 4 | Talhae | 57-80 | Seok clan founder |
| 13 | Michu | 262-284 | First Kim clan king |
| 17 | Naemul | 356-402 | Started Kim clan hereditary rule |
| 22 | Jijeung | 500-514 | First to use "Wang" title |
| 23 | Beopheung | 514-540 | Officially adopted Buddhism |
| 24 | Jinheung | 540-576 | Territorial expansion, Sunsu monuments |
| 27 | Seondeok (Queen) | 632-647 | First queen, built Cheomseongdae |
| 29 | Taejong Muyeol | 654-661 | Kim Chunchu, began unification |
| 30 | Munmu | 661-681 | Unified Three Kingdoms (676) |
| 33 | Seongdeok | 702-737 | Divine Bell of King Seongdeok |
| 35 | Gyeongdeok | 742-765 | Bulguksa, Seokguram |
| 56 | Gyeongsun | 927-935 | Surrendered to Goryeo |
Notable Rulers
King Munmu (r. 661-681)
Completed the unification of the Three Kingdoms in 676. His underwater tomb is at Daewangam Rock.
Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647)
First female ruler in Korean history. Built Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.