(606-647 A.D)
Queen Seondeok of Silla (located in present day South Korea) was the first woman ruler in her kingdom, and she ruled near the end of the Three Kingdoms Period which was from 632-647 A.D.
6th century
Sword with Ring-pommel, Silla, 6th century, Cheonmachong Tomb in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea , metal work, Gyeongju National Museum, L 97.0㎝
This sword in particular was found in the famous Cheonmachong tomb in Gyeongju, Korea.2 There are many swords of this era that have ring-pommels that feature different designs, this sword has a bird design in the pommel. The bird is meant to represent a phoenix and could represent great power. This sword is kept in a wooden sheath that has some metal plated designs.
“Queen Seondeok of Silla,” Visit the main page, accessed July 2024,
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Queen_Seondeok_of_Silla.
Sword (Bonguk geom) from the Silla dynasty,
The bonguk geom literally means "national sword" in Korean. Some were more ornate and used more for ceremonial purposes rather than actual fighting. This depended on the quality of materials used primarily, though, and its level of decorative elements
https:museum.go.kr/site/eng/home
Bow (Gakung) from the Silla dynasty
The gakung literally means "nation's bow" in Korean, and was both a common weapon within the Silla kingdom (57 BCE - 935 CE). It was made up of bamboo, sinew, and oak. Sometimes buffalo horn and acacia were also used. The gakung was used by the archery divisions within the Sillan army, but also by members of the aristorcracy. The gakung is a highly specialized weapon that required training and practice. It was a well respected weapon and those who excelled in archery were often revered.
https:museum.go.kr/site/eng/home
Silla infantryman helmet
Helmets varied depending on the division and rank of the solider, but it was primarily constructed from small plates of iron, steel, or bronze depending on the soldier's status. different colored plumes would identify officers and division. The elite had more ornate versions than that of the common foot soldier.
http://gunsight.jp/c/english/e-kSilla.htm
5th century
Iron Chanfron, Silla, 5th century, Sara-ri Tomb No. 65, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea, metal work, Gyeongju National Museum, L 49.0㎝
The armor of a horse. The artifact itself is a chanfron made of iron.
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/iron-chanfron-unknown/ngFYy8bHYZb31g.
5th century
Silver Forearm Shields; Silla, 5th century; Hwangnamdaechong Tomb in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea; metal work; Gyeongju National Museum; H 34.9㎝
The arm shields are made of silver and widen to protect more of the arm. However these shields in particular are embossed, and many have been found in a similar style.
5th century
1. Twerae-ri, Gimhae, Height: 70.0cm
2. Silla plate armor, Cultural Heritage Administration
This armor is very detailed, it has a symmetrical design in the front, each side with strong lines and also some more organic lines that almost mimic vines. This armor piece in particular is made of iron. Plate armor varied depending on the division and rank of the solider, but it was primarily constructed from small plates of iron, steel, or bronze tied together and worn over leather. It was worn primarily over the chest as a sort of vest. It is unclear how the various ranks and divisions would have worn them differently, other than regular foot soldiers possessing the most basic version with the least amount of protection.
“Gimhae National Museum.” Gaya, Kingdom of Iron > Permanent Exhibitions > Exhibitions > Gimhae National Museum. Accessed July 2024. https://gimhae.museum.go.kr/en/html/sub02/020108.html#exhi01.
http:// www.heritage.go.kr/heri/cul/imgHeritage.do
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