Tag: War

The Imjin War, Part 4: Stalemate and Withdrawal

After a few years of uneasy ceasefire, the fighting resumes between the Japanese and the Koreans and their Ming allies. After a massive setback when the new-and-improved Japanese Navy nearly annihilates the Korean fleet at Chilcheollyang, Admiral Yi Sun-sin would once more bring his martial prowess to bear against his foes on the high seas with stunning results.

The Imjin War, Part 3: Scorched Earth

The Imjin War takes on a new dimension as fully-equipped armies from the Ming Dynasty arrive to take on the Japanese invasion. What began as an easy conquest for Toyotomi Hideyoshi soon became an intractable quagmire and gradually settled into a stalemate.

The Imjin War, Part 2: Hideyoshi’s Crusade

As the 1592 invasion of Korea continued, the Japanese armies enjoyed a rapid sequence of victories on land, dominating the peninsula in sieges and battles. Their quick success would soon become a liability, however, when the superior Joseon Navy started sinking supply ships and overcoming Japanese battle fleets.

The Imjin War, Part 1: A Storm From The East

In 1592, the armies of Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea, engaging in wanton slaughter, merciless plundering, and surprisingly rapid success. Because the Joseon Kingdom was almost completely unprepared for this incursion, they would need to rely on the aid of Ming China to win back control of the peninsula.

The Northern and Southern Courts

Season 8, Episode 4: The Northern and Southern Courts
A map illustrating the locations of the dueling Capitals. Kyoto is the modern name for Heian-kyo. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Yoshino as it stands today. As you can see, it is in the midst of many steep, defensible mountains. Source: No machine-readable author provided. Outside147~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An illustration from Ryozan Shrine of Kitabatake Akiie, who led Emperor Go-Daigo’s army in the north but eventually died fighting in Chugoku. Public Domain.
An illustration of Ko Moroyasu, one of the members of the Ko clan who was trusted by the Ashikaga. Public Domain.
A map of Japan with Echizen Province highlighted in red. This was where Nitta Yoshisada was attempting to rally loyalist resistance against the Ashikaga. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A shrine dedicated to Nitta Yoshisada, built after a farmer in the 1600s found a helmet believed to have belonged to the loyalist general. Source: Bakkai at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Golden Age of Goryeo

Season 6, Episode 12: The Golden Age of Goryeo
The Royal flag of Goryeo, featuring a phoenix. Public Domain
A painting which features depictions of Goryeo nobility. Public Domain
A celedon bowl found in a tomb dating to 1159. Source: National Museum of Korea, KOGL Type 1 http://www.kogl.or.kr/open/info/license_info/by.do, via Wikimedia Commons
A celedon teapot from the Goryeo Dynasty (early 1100s) with exquisite inlaid designs and beautifully crafted textures. Public Domain
A celedon incense burner from the 1100s with cute rabbits for feet. Source: Steve46814, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kofun Way of War

Season 3, Episode 4: The Kofun Way of War
A Kofun Period helm and cuirass, which as you can see would have covered a considerable portion of its user’s vital areas. Public Domain.
Closer view of a Kofun Helm, which was both protective and decorative. Just because you’re charging into battle doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous! Source: PHGCOM / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Kofun Period Shield, which looks quite sufficient for protecting its warrior from swords and arrows and such. Source: PHGCOM / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)