Jindeok of Silla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Queen Jindeok 眞德王 진덕왕
Tomb of Queen Jindeok in Gyeongju, South Korea
Queen of Silla
Reign	647–654
Coronation	647
Predecessor	Queen Seondeok of Silla
Successor	Muyeol of Silla
Died	654 Silla
Burial	Gyeongju
Posthumous name Queen Jindeok (眞德王, 진덕왕)
Father	Galmunwang Gukban
Mother	Lady Wolmyeong of the Park clan

Queen Jindeok of Silla (died 654 AD) was an important ruler in ancient Korea. She reigned as Queen of Silla from 647 to 654 AD. Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. She was the 28th ruler of Silla and the second queen to rule on her own. Her predecessor was Queen Seondeok of Silla. During her time as queen, Silla worked hard to gain favor with the powerful Tang empire in China. She is also known for writing a special poem for the Emperor Gaozong of Tang.

Queen Jindeok's Reign (647-654 AD)

Queen Jindeok became the second queen to rule Silla on her own. Her real name was Seungman. She was the last ruler from the Seonggol class. This was the highest social class in Silla's unique caste system. Her father was Kim Gukban, who was the younger brother of King Jinpyeong of Silla. Her mother was Lady Wolmyeong.

During her seven years as queen, Jindeok focused mostly on foreign policy. This means she worked on how Silla dealt with other countries. With the help of a skilled general named Kim Yushin, she made Silla's defenses stronger. She also greatly improved Silla's relationship with Tang China. These efforts were very important. They helped set the stage for Silla to later unite the three kingdoms of Korea: Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo.

Queen Jindeok also expanded the Pumju tax-collecting system. This system helped the kingdom collect money from its people.

Her tomb is believed to be on a hill in Gyeongju city. However, some historians are not sure if it is truly her tomb. According to an old book called the Samguk Sagi, she was buried in a different area.

Queen Jindeok's Lasting Impact

Queen Jindeok's reign was seen as very successful. For example, when King Jeonggang was dying in 887 AD, he chose his sister Jinseong to be his heir. He said that the successful reigns of Queen Seondeok and Queen Jindeok showed that a woman could be a great ruler.

Era Names Used by Queen Jindeok

When Queen Jindeok was crowned in January 647 AD, she first used the era name "Inpyeong." An era name was like a special name for a period of time. She used Inpyeong until July 647. Then, she changed the era name to "Taehwa."

She used the Taehwa era name from July 647 to June 650. After that, she started using "Yeonghwi." This was the era name that the Tang Dynasty in China was using at the time. Taehwa was the last era name that Silla used on its own. After Taehwa, Silla followed China's era names.

Queen Jindeok's Family Tree

• Grandfather: Crown Prince Dongryun. He was the son of King Jinheung of Silla, the 24th ruler.
• Grandmother: Lady Manho of the Kim clan.
  • Uncle: Jinpyeong of Silla, the 26th ruler of Silla.
    • Cousin: Queen Seondeok of Silla, the 27th ruler of Silla.
    • Cousin: Princess Cheonmyeong of Silla.
      • Cousin-once-removed: Muyeol of Silla, the 29th ruler of Silla.
  • Father: Galmunwang Gukban.
  • Mother: Lady Wolmyeong of the Park clan.