Three Kingdoms
An age when Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla grew through rivalry. A time of adopting Buddhism, contesting territory and resisting foreign powers.
- BC 57
Founding of Silla
Park Hyeokgeose founded the state of Saro, later known as Silla.
Related figures: Bak Hyeokgeose
- BC 37
Founding of Goguryeo
Jumong (King Dongmyeong) founded Goguryeo at Jolbon.
Related figures: Dongmyeong (Jumong)
- BC 18
Founding of Baekje
Onjo founded Baekje in the Han River basin.
Related figures: King Onjo
- 4세기 중엽
King Geunchogo's Conquest of Mahan and Baekje at Its Height
King Geunchogo conquered the remaining Mahan polities and expanded Baekje's territory southward, ushering in the kingdom's greatest era of prosperity. He also attacked Goguryeo and killed King Gogukwon at Pyeongyang Fortress.
Related figures: King Geunchogo
- 372년
Goguryeo adopts Buddhism
King Sosurim adopted Buddhism and founded the Taehak academy, reforming the state system.
Related figures: King Sosurim
- 372년
King Geunchogo's Diplomatic Ties with Eastern Jin and the Seven-Branched Sword
Baekje's King Geunchogo established diplomatic relations with Eastern Jin of China and sent a seven-branched sword to Wa (Japan), broadening international exchange. He led Baekje's golden age centered on the capital Hanseong (Pungnaptoseong in Seoul).
Related figures: King Geunchogo
- 4세기 말~5세기 초
Gwanggaeto the Great's Conquests and Territorial Expansion
King Gwanggaeto attacked Baekje, aided Silla in repelling Wa forces, and greatly expanded Goguryeo's territory northward into Manchuria and the Liaodong Peninsula, opening the kingdom's golden age.
Related figures: Gwanggaeto the Great
- 414년
Erection of the Stele of King Gwanggaeto the Great
King Jangsu erected a great stele to commemorate the achievements of his father, King Gwanggaeto the Great. Still standing in Ji'an, China today, it is the most important epigraphic record conveying Goguryeo's history of conquest.
Related figures: King Jangsu, Gwanggaeto the Great
- 427년
Capital moved to Pyongyang
King Jangsu moved the capital to Pyongyang and pursued a southward policy. The Gwanggaeto Stele dates from around this time.
Related figures: King Jangsu, Gwanggaeto the Great
- 6세기 초
King Muryeong of Baekje: Establishment of 22 Tamno and Revival
King Muryeong strengthened control over the provinces by appointing royal relatives to govern 22 tamno districts, reviving Baekje's fortunes. Active exchanges with the Southern Dynasties of China are evidenced by finds in the Tomb of King Muryeong.
Related figures: King Muryeong
- 512년
King Jijung of Silla: Adoption of the Name 'Silla' and Annexation of Usanguk
King Jijung officially named the kingdom Silla and adopted the title 'king.' He dispatched Isabu to subjugate Usanguk (Ulleungdo). He also promoted the use of oxen in farming, raising agricultural productivity.
Related figures: King Jijeung, Yi Sabu
- 520년
King Beopheung of Silla: Promulgation of the Legal Code and Reorganization of the Bone Rank System
King Beopheung promulgated a legal code (yullyang) and reorganized the official rank system and the bone rank system (golpumje), laying the groundwork for a centralized state. He also established the Ministry of Military Affairs and was the first to use era names.
Related figures: King Beopheung
- 527년
Silla legalizes Buddhism
Spurred by the martyrdom of Ichadon, King Beopheung officially recognized Buddhism.
Related figures: Ichadon, King Beopheung
- 538년
King Seong of Baekje: Relocation of the Capital to Sabi and the Name 'Southern Buyeo'
King Seong moved the capital from Ungjin to Sabi (present-day Buyeo) and briefly renamed the kingdom 'Southern Buyeo' in an effort to revive Baekje. He reorganized central and regional administrative systems and transmitted Buddhism to Japan.
Related figures: King Seong
- 553년
King Jinheung's Seizure of the Han River Basin and Inspection Steles
King Jinheung broke the alliance with Baekje and seized the entire Han River basin, propelling Silla into rapid growth. He erected inspection steles including the Bukhansan Stele to commemorate his territorial expansion.
Related figures: King Jinheung
- 554년
Battle of Gwansanseong and the Death of King Seong of Baekje
Baekje's King Seong, who had lost the Han River basin to Silla, launched a counterattack but was defeated and killed at the Battle of Gwansanseong. This brought the Silla-Baekje alliance to a complete end.
Related figures: King Seong, King Jinheung
- 612년
Battle of Salsu
Eulji Mundeok crushed the great Sui army at the Salsu River.
Related figures: Eulji Mundeok
- 645년
Siege of Ansi
Goguryeo repelled the invasion of Emperor Taizong of Tang at Ansi Fortress.
Related figures: Yeon Gaesomun
- 648년
Formation of the Silla-Tang Alliance
Silla's Kim Chun-chu traveled to Tang China and forged a military alliance, creating the Silla-Tang coalition. This alliance became the decisive foundation for the destruction of Baekje and Goguryeo.
Related figures: King Muyeol (Kim Chunchu), Kim Yusin
- 660년
Fall of Baekje
Baekje fell under the assault of the Silla–Tang coalition (Battle of Hwangsanbeol with Gyebaek).
Related figures: Gyebaek, King Uija
- 660년
Battle of Hwangsanbeol and General Gyebaek
Baekje general Gyebaek led a force of five thousand sworn soldiers to face the Silla army at Hwangsanbeol but was ultimately defeated. It was the final resistance that led to the fall of Baekje.
Related figures: Gyebaek, Kim Yusin, Gwanchang
- 668년
Fall of Goguryeo
Goguryeo fell to the Silla–Tang coalition, bringing the Three Kingdoms period to a close.