The Three Kingdoms of Korea: Lost Civilizations

The Three Kingdoms of Korea: Lost Civilizations
by: Richard D. McBride II (Author)
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication Date: 2024/9/17
Language: English
Print Length: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1789148758
ISBN-13: 9781789148756
Book Description
An expansive and accessible introduction to the history of Korea during the first millennium CE.   Korea’s Three Kingdoms period is a genuine “lost civilization,” during which ancient realms vied for supremacy during the first millennium CE. Nobles from this period’s feuding states adopted and adapted Buddhism and Confucianism through interactions with early medieval Chinese dynasties. It was not until the mid-seventh century that the aristocratic Silla state, with the assistance of the mighty Chinese Tang empire, unified the Three Kingdoms of Korea by conquering the kingdoms of Koguryo and Paekche. Weaving together legends of ancient kings with the true histories of monks, scholars, and laypeople, this book sheds new light on a foundational period that continues to shape Korean identity today.
About the Author
An expansive and accessible introduction to the history of Korea during the first millennium CE.   Korea’s Three Kingdoms period is a genuine “lost civilization,” during which ancient realms vied for supremacy during the first millennium CE. Nobles from this period’s feuding states adopted and adapted Buddhism and Confucianism through interactions with early medieval Chinese dynasties. It was not until the mid-seventh century that the aristocratic Silla state, with the assistance of the mighty Chinese Tang empire, unified the Three Kingdoms of Korea by conquering the kingdoms of Koguryo and Paekche. Weaving together legends of ancient kings with the true histories of monks, scholars, and laypeople, this book sheds new light on a foundational period that continues to shape Korean identity today. Read more