Unified Silla

The Unified Silla period dates from 676 to 935 CE, immediately following the Silla Kingdom period (first century BCE to 676). The Baekje Kingdom and the Goguryeo Kingdom were defeated successively following a Silla/Tang alliance thus the kingdoms were absorbed by the victor, and this new formation became known as the Unified Silla period. The defeat of its neighbours led to an extension of Unified Silla territory, but they were not the only power on the Korean peninsula during this period. Unified Silla controlled the south and the Balhae Kingdom (698-926 CE) controlled the north - the two often engaged in hostilities but lived as neighbouring kingdoms. There were many significant Unified Silla developments during this period – politically, culturally, economically and artistically. Politically, Unified Silla was ruled by a centralized government with the capital Gyeongju governing other areas. Culturally, exchange with Japan, China and southwest Asia took place and the advanced Unified Silla culture spread throughout the Korean peninsula and beyond. Central Asian items were introduced via the Silk Road or sea routes, with both the import and export of items taking place. There were also major changes to burial practices, with cremation being widely adopted rather than tomb burials. Artistically, Buddhist art and architecture flourished and there were further advances in metalwork production and techniques, and the production of unique ceramics. The adoption of Buddhism also helped in unifying the people who had once belonged to different kingdoms. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are wonderful examples of Buddhist art and architecture dating to the Unified Silla, and the two have been given joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Seokguram Grotto is listed due to it being ‘a masterpiece of East Asian Buddhist Art’, whilst both Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are listed as outstanding examples of Buddhist religious architecture. The United Silla period lasted for 267 years. Power struggles and peasant revolt resulted in its significant weakening, but this period did end without war, unlike earlier periods. Instead, its king offered rule to the Goryeo Dynasty.