Queen Jiso facts for kids
Queen Jiso (지소태후) was an important figure in ancient Korean history. She was a queen and a regent, which means she ruled the kingdom of Silla when her son, King Jinheung, was too young to rule by himself. She was married to Prince Galmunwang Ipjong and was the mother of King Jinheung of Silla. Queen Jiso served as regent for her son from 540 to 551 CE, helping to guide the kingdom during a crucial time.
Who Was Queen Jiso?
Queen Jiso lived in the Silla kingdom, one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea. She was born into a royal family. Her grandfather was King Jijeung of Silla, and her father was King Beopheung of Silla. This meant she grew up surrounded by the politics and responsibilities of royalty.
Leading the Kingdom as Regent
When her son, King Jinheung, became king in 540 CE, he was still very young. Because of this, Queen Jiso stepped in to rule the kingdom for him. This role is called a "regent." As regent, she made important decisions for Silla, guiding its policies and helping it grow stronger. She ruled for 11 years, from 540 to 551 CE. During her time as regent, she helped set the stage for her son, King Jinheung, to become one of Silla's most famous and successful rulers.
Her Family Connections
Queen Jiso had a significant family, which was common for royal figures at the time. Her main spouse was Prince Galmunwang Ipjong, who was the son of King Jijeung. Together, they had a son named Kim Sammaekjong, who later became the powerful King Jinheung of Silla. King Jinheung was the 24th ruler of Silla and greatly expanded the kingdom's territory. Queen Jiso's family connections helped strengthen the royal line and ensure the future of Silla.