Gaya Confederacy
An iron kingdom of the Nakdong River basin. Several Gaya polities formed a confederacy, but were eventually absorbed by Silla.
- 42년
Founding of Geumgwan Gaya
King Suro founded Geumgwan Gaya at Gimhae (the egg-birth myth). It prospered on abundant iron.
Related figures: King Suro
- 48년
Princess Heo Hwangok's Marriage to King Suro
A founding legend tells that Heo Hwangok, who came from across the sea, became the queen of Gumgwan Gaya's King Suro. The tomb of Queen Heo and related traditions survive in the Gimhae area.
Related figures: Heo Hwangok, King Suro
- 2세기경
Iron Production and Trade of Byeonhan and Gaya
The small states of Gaya in the lower Nakdong River basin produced abundant iron, using iron ingots as currency and trading with Lelang and Wa (Japan). Numerous iron grave goods have been excavated at Yangdongri and Daesongdong sites in Gimhae.
- 3세기경
Rise of Ara Gaya
Ara Gaya grew into a powerful small state centered on the Haman area. The Marisan tumulus complex and flame-pattern pottery are representative of Ara Gaya culture.
- 209년
Rebellion of the Eight Coastal States (Posang Palguk)
Eight small states along the southern coast joined forces to attack Gumgwan Gaya (Garak), and Silla came to Gaya's aid. This event illustrates the conflicts among Gaya's small states and Silla's intervention.
- 400년
King Gwanggaeto the Great's Southern Campaign and the Decline of Gumgwan Gaya
Goguryeo's King Gwanggaeto the Great pursued Wa forces that had invaded Silla all the way to the lower Nakdong River, dealing a severe blow to Gumgwan Gaya. Thereafter, the center of Gaya shifted to Daegaya.
Related figures: Gwanggaeto the Great
- 5세기 중엽
Rise of Daegaya
Daegaya, with Goryeong as its capital, led the Later Gaya Confederacy. The gilt-bronze crowns, armor, and horse trappings from the Jisandong Tumulus Complex demonstrate Daegaya's prestige.
Related figures: King Ijinasi
- 532년
Geumgwan Gaya annexed
Geumgwan Gaya was absorbed by Silla. Its royal house became Silla nobility (the family of Kim Yusin).
- 552년경
Ureuk's Twelve Songs for the Gayageum
At the command of King Gasil, Ureuk invented the gayageum and composed twelve songs; when Daegaya fell into disorder, he defected to Silla and transmitted the music in Chungju. This was the occasion through which Gaya's music was passed on to Silla.
Related figures: Ureuk, King Gasil
- 562년
Daegaya falls
Daegaya in Goryeong fell to King Jinheung of Silla, ending the Gaya polities entirely.
Related figures: King Jinheung