Month: September 2020

The Korean States

September 28, 2020 justin-david-hebert Comments Off

Season 3, Episode 3: The Korean States

Around 375 CE, the Korean Peninsula would have looked something like this. This would be the boundary of Baekje’s greatest expansion. Public Domain

One hundred years later, Koguryo (here labeled “Goguryeo”) would reach its greatest extent. Source: Myself / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

A relief painting of Koguryo soldiers. Their armor appears to be a kind of llamellar. I was unable to find a date for this work. Public Domain.

Seated Buddhas and standing Bodhisattvas produced by artisans of Koguryo. Though their pigments have worn away, they would have originally been covered in bright, cheerful colors. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidtrowbridge/ / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

A re-creation of a Gaya Confederation Soldier. Note the stylish collar and fashionable helmet flair. Source: dentarg / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

A recreation of Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in all of Baekje. Though this was built in 602, later than the present narrative, I think it nicely displays the capabilities of the Kingdom of Baekje and their culture. Source: Jjw / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

A replica of the infamous Shichichido, or seven-branched sword. The real thing lies in a shrine somewhere in Japan and is rarely viewed. Source: CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

Unification and Collapse in China

September 24, 2020 justin-david-hebert Comments Off

Season 3, Episode 2: Unificiation and Collapse in China

The three kingdoms of China in 262 CE. Looks neat and tidy enough here, but the next image should give a better idea of how chaotic this period actually was. Source: SY / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

A time-lapse map showing the various warring states during and after the Han Dynasty’s Decline. Source: Three Kingdoms fan / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

The Jin Dynasty at its beginning in 280 CE. This is during what we now call the Western Jin Dynasty. Source: Ian Kiu / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

A Yue ware bowl from the Jin Dynasty period. Source: PHGCOM / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

A type of funerary urn called a Hunping Jar. This one features many Buddhist figures. Public Domain

The Eastern Jin Dynasty Period. Source: Javierfv1212 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

China in 402 CE, the Eastern Jin barely holding onto what they can. Source: SY / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

The Age of Tombs and Kings

September 21, 2020 justin-david-hebert Comments Off

Season 3, Episode 1: The Age of Tombs and Kings

Osaka’s own Daisen-Kofun, alleged to be the resting place of Emperor Nintoku. Source: Copyright © National Land Image Information (Color Aerial Photographs), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Attribution

Aerial photo of two preserved Kofun located at uekeno Haniwa no Sato park in Takasaki. Source: 国土地理院 (Geospatial Information Authority of Japan) / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

The entrance to Himegozen Kofun on Kyushu. Impressive stonework! Source: Peka / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Gishi-Wajinden

September 3, 2020 justin-david-hebert Comments Off

The English translation of the Gishi-Wajinden which I used in this episode can be found here. It also has some great maps of Kyushu along with the possible locations of various Yayoi polities on its main page. Enjoy!