ANCIENT KOREA Meaning and
Definition
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Ancient Korea refers to the period of Korean history that spans from prehistoric times to the end of the Goryeo dynasty in 1392. It encompasses the development and evolution of Korean civilization, including its political, social, cultural, and economic aspects.
During this era, Korean territories were inhabited by various tribes and cultures. One of the earliest known states in ancient Korea was Gojoseon, which was established around the 7th century BCE. Gojoseon thrived as a confederation of tribes and played a significant role in shaping the early Korean society.
Throughout ancient Korea, the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-668 CE) is of particular importance. The kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla emerged as major powers, engaging in both cooperation and conflict. This period saw the rise and fall of these kingdoms, with Silla eventually unifying the peninsula under its rule to establish the Unified Silla dynasty.
The subsequent era was dominated by the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), which lasted for nearly five centuries. It was during this period that Buddhism flourished and exerted considerable influence on Korean society and culture.
Ancient Korea also witnessed key technological advancements, such as the creation of the Korean alphabet, known as Hangeul, during the 15th century under the reign of King Sejong the Great.
Overall, Ancient Korea shaped the foundation and identity of modern-day Korea, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage including art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.
Etymology of ANCIENT KOREA
The word "ancient" originates from the Latin word "antiquus", meaning old or ancient.
The term "Korea" has a more complex etymology. The earliest known recorded name for Korea is "Gojoseon", referring to an ancient Korean kingdom dating back to around 2333 BCE. The term "Gojoseon" is believed to have originated from the Chinese characters "扶余", pronounced "buyeo" in Korean, which was the name of an ancient kingdom in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
As history progressed, various kingdoms and dynasties emerged in the Korean Peninsula, leading to the formation of the Goryeo (Koryo) Kingdom in the 10th century CE. The name "Koryo" was later adopted by Westerners to refer to the entire Korean Peninsula, hence the term "Korea".
