Hanistry
Back to atlas

57 BCE-668 CE

Three Kingdoms Period

Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla competed and exchanged ideas with Gaya, Chinese dynasties, and Yamato Japan.

37 BCE-668 CE

Goguryeo

Capital: Jolbon, Gungnae, then Pyongyang

A powerful northern kingdom spanning Manchuria and northern Korea, known for cavalry warfare and monumental tomb murals.

Major events

  • King Gwanggaeto's expansion
  • Transfer of capital to Pyongyang in 427
  • Fall to Silla-Tang forces in 668

Cultural achievements

  • Tomb murals
  • Fortress networks
  • Distinct military aristocracy

18 BCE-660 CE

Baekje

Capital: Hanseong, Ungjin, then Sabi

A southwestern kingdom with refined court culture and strong maritime links to China and Japan.

Major events

  • Move to Ungjin after Goguryeo attack
  • Sabi cultural florescence
  • Fall to Silla-Tang forces in 660

Cultural achievements

  • Buddhist art and temple architecture
  • Diplomatic exchange with Japan
  • Elegant gilt-bronze craftsmanship

57 BCE-935 CE

Silla

Capital: Geumseong (Gyeongju)

A southeastern kingdom that consolidated aristocratic institutions before unifying most of the peninsula.

Major events

  • Adoption of Buddhism in 527
  • Alliance with Tang China
  • Unification wars of the 7th century

Cultural achievements

  • Gold crowns
  • Hwarang institution
  • Gyeongju royal tomb culture