Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Definition

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is an archaeological site in Gyeongju, South Korea, containing a group of royal tombs from the Silla Kingdom, which thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE. This complex showcases the burial practices and funerary architecture of the Silla elite, featuring large earthen mounds known as tumuli, along with artifacts that reflect the sophistication of Silla society and its beliefs in the afterlife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Daereungwon Tomb Complex contains over 20 tombs, with the most famous being the tombs of King Muryeong and Queen Seondeok.
2. The tombs are characterized by their large earthen mounds, some reaching up to 30 meters in height, demonstrating the importance of the individuals buried there.
3. Artifacts found within the tombs include gold crowns, pottery, weapons, and jewelry, providing insight into the wealth and status of the Silla elite.
4. The site reflects Silla's belief in an afterlife where the deceased would need material goods, influencing the types of artifacts placed in the tombs.
5. Daereungwon is part of the Historic Areas of Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance and preservation of ancient Korean history.

Review Questions

• How does the Daereungwon Tomb Complex illustrate the burial practices and social hierarchy of the Silla Kingdom?
  • The Daereungwon Tomb Complex exemplifies Silla burial practices through its large tumuli and rich array of artifacts that signify the social status of those interred. The presence of opulent items like gold crowns and intricate pottery indicates that those buried here were members of the elite class. This complex serves as a reflection of not only their wealth but also their beliefs regarding life after death and how these practices reinforced social hierarchy within Silla society.
• Discuss the significance of the artifacts discovered at Daereungwon Tomb Complex in understanding Silla culture and society.
  • Artifacts unearthed at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex are crucial for understanding Silla culture as they showcase the artistic craftsmanship and technological advancements of the time. The variety and quality of items such as jewelry, weapons, and ceremonial objects reveal insights into social stratification, trade connections, and even spiritual beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The presence of Buddhist symbols also highlights how religion influenced Silla society during this period.
• Evaluate how Daereungwon Tomb Complex contributes to our understanding of broader historical trends in ancient Korean civilization.
  • The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is pivotal for understanding ancient Korean civilization as it encapsulates key historical trends such as social hierarchy, cultural exchange, and religious influences. The elaborate tombs reflect not only internal developments within Silla but also interactions with neighboring cultures through trade and diplomacy. Moreover, this site illustrates how burial customs evolved with Buddhism's introduction, showcasing shifts in belief systems that shaped societal structures in Korea. Analyzing this complex allows historians to better comprehend how ancient Koreans viewed death, status, and their place within a larger regional context.

Related terms

Silla Kingdom: An ancient Korean kingdom that was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, known for its advanced culture and significant contributions to art, architecture, and Buddhism.

Tumulus: An ancient burial mound used to cover graves, often associated with royal or elite burials, commonly found in various cultures including those of the Silla Kingdom.

Buddhism: A religion and philosophy that became prominent in Korea during the Silla period, influencing art, culture, and burial practices.