Silla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Silla 신라 (新羅)
57 BC – 935 AD
Royal seal
Pre-Later Silla at its height in 576
Capital	Gyeongju (Geumseong, then Seorabeol)
Common languages	Sillan language (Koreanic)
Religion	Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shamanism (Sindo)
Government	Monarchy
King
• 57 BCE – 4	Hyeokgeose (first)
• 540–576	Jinheung
• 654–661	Muyeol
History
• Establishment	57 BC
• Introduction of Buddhism	530
• Campaigns of King Jinheung	551–585
• Later Silla	668–935
• Handover to the Goryeo	935 AD
Population
• 7th century	894,680
• 8th century	2,000,000
Preceded by Succeeded by Jinhan confederacy Gojoseon Goryeo
Today part of	South Korea North Korea

Silla was a powerful kingdom in ancient Korea. It lasted for a very long time, from 57 BC to 935 AD. This makes it the longest-lasting country in Korean history. The name Silla means that the king's good deeds are always new and spread across the world.

Silla was started by King Park Hyeokgeose in 57 BC. It was located in the southeast part of the Korean peninsula, near a city called Gyeongju. Silla began earlier than other kingdoms like Goguryeo and Baekje. These three kingdoms existed at the same time.

How Silla Grew Strong

Silla took some time to build a strong government. But around the 6th century, things changed. Silla accepted Buddhism, which helped make the king's power even stronger.

Around the 7th century, Silla gained control of the Han River area. This was a very important place in Korean history. It helped Silla become more powerful.

Unifying the Kingdoms

Silla then teamed up with the Tang Dynasty from China. Together, they worked to unite the Korean peninsula. Silla conquered Baekje in 660 AD. Then, they conquered Goguryeo in 668 AD. This brought much of Korea under Silla's rule.

The End of Silla

Towards the end of Silla's rule, the kings and nobles became very wasteful. They spent too much on fancy things. This made the common people angry and led to rebellions.

A new period began, sometimes called the Later Three Kingdoms. Gyeon Hwon started a new country called Later Baekje. And Gung Ye created Taebong, which was like a new Goguryeo. Silla could not stop these new forces.

Finally, in 935 AD, Silla gave up its power to a new kingdom called Goryeo. This marked the end of the long-lasting Silla kingdom.

Images for kids

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  Earthenware Funerary Objects in the Shape of a Shilla Warrior on Horseback

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  The Temple of the Golden Dragon, also known as Hwangryongsa, would later be destroyed during the Mongol Invasions.

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  (left to right) A Baekje, Goguryeo, and Shilla envoy depicted in a 6th-century painting.

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  This standing statue of the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha is made of gilt bronze, made in the Silla period.

See also

In Spanish: Silla (Corea) para niños