The Three Kingdoms of Korea: Lost Civilizations

The Koreas Three Kingdoms period was a time of feuding states and cultural exchange, with Buddhism and Confucianism adopted and adapted. The Silla state unified the Three Kingdoms in the mid-seventh century, with the help of the Tang empire. This exploration sheds light on a foundational period that continues to shape Korean identity today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2024
Publisher: Reaktion Books

The Koreas Three Kingdoms period, spanning the first millennium CE, is a remarkable era of lost civilization. During this time, ancient realms engaged in fierce competition for dominance, with nobles from various feuding states embracing and adapting Buddhism and Confucianism through interactions with early medieval Chinese dynasties. In the mid-seventh century, with the support of the mighty Chinese Tang empire, the aristocratic Silla state successfully unified the Three Kingdoms by conquering the militaristic northern kingdom of Koguryŏ and the culturally sophisticated state of Paekche. This exploration delves into the legends of founding kings, the tales of wars and political intrigue, and the narratives of fascinating individuals, including flower boys, wise monks, loyal scholars, and virtuous women. Through these stories, we gain a deeper understanding of a foundational period that continues to shape Korean identity today.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789148756