The Korean States

September 28, 2020 justin-david-hebert Kofun, Season 3, Yamato Comments Off on The Korean States
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)