The kingdom of Silla, known as one of the longest-lasting dynasties in history (57 BCE to 935 CE), is celebrated today through its various burial mounds. These mounds have safeguarded Korea’s historical secrets for centuries, concealing precious treasures inside. The archaeological discoveries found here, such as crowns, belts, and earrings, support the title of the Silla capital Geumsong (now Gyeongju) as the “city of gold.” They provide insight into the Silla Kingdom’s society during that era, including aspects like trade relationships, religious practices, and social hierarchies.
During the Three Kingdoms Period
During the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea (57 BCE to 935 CE), the Korean peninsula was largely controlled by three kingdoms: Goguryeo in the North, Paekje in the Southwest, and Silla in the Southeast. These states vied for power in the region, forming alliances and rivalries among themselves, as well as with neighboring China and Japan. Ongoing conflicts occurred between them, causing shifts in each kingdom’s borders over time.
Even with their conflicts, the kingdoms shared similarities in language and culture, both embracing Buddhism and having a warrior-centric power structure. They were also culturally influenced by China and Japan, adopting elements like the Chinese writing system, which at that time was the classical Chinese script. In the end, the Silla kingdom managed to surpass its rivals and completely took control of the peninsula by 668 CE, bringing the nation together. By incorporating other territories, Silla acquired new riches and influence, which influenced their opulent burial traditions.
The Mysterious Burial Mounds of Silla
When you visit Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla today, you’ll be amazed by the numerous and sizable burial mounds scattered across the area. The larger tombs are reserved for powerful kings and royals, while the smaller ones are designated for aristocrats. Their grand appearance serves as a reminder of the immense power and wealth held by those who were interred there.
Inside these mounds of earth and stone lie wooden coffins sealed with clay, creating a nearly unbreakable barrier. Over time, the weight of the soil and the pull of gravity have pushed these tombs deeper underground, shielding them from robbers.
These burial sites not only contained the bodies of the deceased but also an abundance of treasures, many crafted specifically for the afterlife. Countless items made of gold—such as crowns, belts, jewelry, and other ceremonial pieces—have been discovered within these tombs, showcasing the kingdom’s wealth and its dedication to arts and culture.
The gold Crowns
The gold crowns found in the Seobongchong site are notable examples. The crowns discovered in burial mounds serve as symbols of royalty, just like in many other regions. Crafted from gold and adorned with jade, these crowns feature two antlers and three tree shapes emerging from a band. The presence of the antlers and trees connects the crowns to shamanistic practices, highlighting the rulers’ authority.
The fascination with gold originated from trade ties with China, from which it was brought in. Eventually, significant amounts of gold were discovered in Gyeongju, particularly in the river sands. Its malleability made it an ideal material for creating the intricate crowns. These crowns are formed from thin sheets of gold, which are not practical for wearing, leading many to believe that they were meant solely for burial.
Korean Shamanism
Regarding Korean Shamanism, during the time the crowns were created, shamanism was prevalent throughout the peninsula. It seems unlikely that rulers wore these crowns while alive, indicating they were intended exclusively for their afterlife journey. Rulers were believed to possess unique spiritual abilities, and the gold crowns symbolized their divine authority.
The trees depicted on the crowns relate to the tree of life, linking the three realms: the underworld, the earthly realm, and the upper world. The curved jade beads often found on the crowns have historically represented spiritual power on the peninsula since the Bronze Age. Some suggest these beads resemble the claws or teeth of wild animals, further tying the crowns to shamanistic traditions. Shamanism and animism are closely linked, as both believe that certain individuals can communicate with invisible spirits that exert influence over the physical world.
Their rituals involved singing, dancing, and consuming rice wine. It was thought that shamans could predict the future by interpreting nature’s signs. Interestingly, even after Buddhism arrived in Korea in the mid-6th century CE, shamanistic beliefs persisted and continue to be practiced today.
Gender and Artifacts
In Silla, inheritance was traced through both women and men, with queens holding equal power to kings. This gender equality also permeated society. They had a hierarchical caste system known as “bone ranks,” which classified people based on birth rather than gender. For instance, Queen Jinseong was the final monarch of Silla, maintaining friendly relations with Tang Dynasty China (618 – 907 CE) and promoting trade. However, during her rule, internal conflicts emerged, ultimately leading to the downfall of Silla.
Archaeologists analyze artifacts discovered in burial sites to determine the gender of the individual buried there. In Tomb 98 out of 155, a golden belt inscribed with the words “belt for milady” was found, along with other royal items like crowns. From these discoveries, archaeologists have concluded that women were just as capable of holding power as men.
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Other Notable Accessories
Other significant accessories from that era include a chest piece from the 4th century CE made of gold, glass beads, and jade. Numerous gold earrings have been discovered in the Silla tombs, showcasing a variety of styles that can be divided into two categories: those featuring a thick central ring and those with a thin one. Some earrings are petite and straightforward, while others are large and complex. Their intricate designs highlight the considerable skill involved in their creation. Adorned with spangles, gold granules, and embossing, the allure of Silla earrings is unmistakable.
The archaeological discoveries in the burial mounds extend beyond just gold and jade. Chest pendants, worn across the chest and back, exhibit the same lavishness as other tomb accessories. Jade ornaments dangle from gold and glass beading.
In addition to these, various items like belts, rings, vessels, and swords were also unearthed in the burial mounds. Evidence of human sacrifice has been found as well, with multiple human remains located at Gyeongju sites. This, combined with Korean folklore regarding Inju practice—the ritualistic killing of individuals to appease the Gods—indicates that such practices were common during this era.
The Royal Tomb of King Michu from the Silla period, captured in a photo by Daniella Romano, is among the enigmatic burial mounds that hide captivating treasures, each telling a story from a pivotal time in Korea’s history. Exploring these tombs allows us to gain insights into various aspects of Silla society, including gender roles, spirituality, and power dynamics. Certainly! We’ve gained a lot of insight into the burial customs of the Silla people; they interred numerous treasures alongside their rulers and formed mound-like structures for protection. The gold crowns, in particular, highlight the significance of shamanism in their society and its association with authority through their designs. Together with other artifacts, these items indicate that power was not defined by gender during this time.
When Buddhism was introduced to the Silla Kingdom in the mid-6th century CE, the tradition of mound burials started to fade, giving way to cremation practices. Consequently, Silla craftsmanship from this era is now more evident in the valuables discovered within temples. Even with these shifts, the items unearthed from the burial mounds clearly showcase the exceptional skills of Silla metalworkers. Their findings have greatly enriched Korean cultural heritage, and with some archaeological sites yet to be explored, there’s still much more to uncover.Copy
