Proto–Three Kingdoms period

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Proto–Three Kingdoms Period

The Proto–Three Kingdoms period refers to a historical era in Korean history that preceded the establishment of the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. This period is generally considered to span from the fall of the Gojoseon kingdom in 108 BCE to the formal establishment of the Three Kingdoms in the 1st century CE. During this time, various tribal states and confederations emerged, laying the groundwork for the later kingdoms.

Historical Background

The Proto–Three Kingdoms period followed the decline of the Gojoseon kingdom, which was the first Korean kingdom. Gojoseon fell to the Han dynasty of China in 108 BCE, leading to the establishment of the Four Commanderies of Han. The most significant of these was the Lelang Commandery, which played a crucial role in the cultural and political development of the Korean peninsula during this period.

Key Tribal States and Confederations

During the Proto–Three Kingdoms period, several tribal states and confederations emerged, each contributing to the formation of the later Three Kingdoms.

Buyeo

Buyeo was a powerful state located in the northern part of the Korean peninsula and southern Manchuria. It is considered a precursor to the kingdom of Goguryeo. Buyeo maintained a hierarchical society and engaged in trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring states, including China.

Okjeo

Okjeo was a tribal state located in the northeastern part of the Korean peninsula. It was eventually absorbed by Goguryeo, contributing to the latter's expansion and consolidation of power.

Dongye

Dongye was another tribal state located in the northeastern region. Like Okjeo, it was eventually incorporated into Goguryeo.

Samhan

The term Samhan refers to three confederacies: Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan, located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. These confederacies were composed of numerous small polities and are considered precursors to the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla.

Mahan

Mahan was the largest of the Samhan confederacies, located in the southwest. It is considered a precursor to the kingdom of Baekje.

Jinhan

Jinhan was located in the southeast and is considered a precursor to the kingdom of Silla.

Byeonhan

Byeonhan was located in the south-central region and later evolved into the Gaya confederacy, which played a significant role in the region before being absorbed by Silla.

Cultural and Technological Developments

The Proto–Three Kingdoms period was marked by significant cultural and technological developments. The introduction of iron technology from China led to advancements in agriculture and warfare. The period also saw the spread of Chinese writing and Confucianism, which influenced the political and social structures of the emerging states.

Transition to the Three Kingdoms

By the 1st century CE, the tribal states and confederations had evolved into more centralized and powerful kingdoms. Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla emerged as dominant powers, marking the beginning of the Three Kingdoms of Korea period.

Also see

• Three Kingdoms of Korea
• Goguryeo
• Baekje
• Silla
• Gaya Confederacy
• Lelang Commandery