The History of Baekje: From Foundation to Decline
The foundation of Baekje, as previously mentioned, lacks a definitive historical account. In summary, it is believed that Onjo, the son of King Dongmyeong of Goguryeo, established Baekje by setting the capital in Hanseong. Various theories exist regarding the founding of Baekje by Biryu and Onjo, which are worth noting.
1st King Onjo
B.C. 18-28
Onjo established Baekje in Hanseong (Pungnap Toseong). However, at this time, it was still under the control of the Mahan's Mokji-guk, and it was not a powerful state.
8th King Goi
234-286
Goi laid the groundwork for the nation of Baekje. He established the six ranks of officials, including Naesin Jwapyeong and Wisa Jwapyeong, and organized the official ranks into a 16-tier system. These six Jwapyeongs were said to have discussed important national affairs. Although there are no records, it is believed that he promulgated laws and organized internal affairs during this period, gradually strengthening the nation. This became a significant driving force for Baekje's later prosperity.
Additionally, he overwhelmed and effectively annexed Mokji-guk, a major ruling state of Mahan, thereby exerting strong influence in the vicinity of Chungcheong-do.
13th King Geunchogo
346-375
You may recall that Goguryeo's Michonwang expelled the Nangnang and Daebang regions, leading to a border conflict with Baekje. This tension inevitably escalated into warfare between the two nations, resulting in the assassination of King Gogukwon at Pyongyang Fortress during the conflict.
In October of that year, the Baekje king attacked Pyongyang Fortress with an army of 30,000. While attempting to fend off the attack, he was struck by an arrow and passed away on the 23rd of that month.
During Geunchogo's reign, he sent a map of Japan, though it remains uncertain whether this was a gift or merely a form of exchange. It's worth remembering that there was interaction with Japan during this period.
15th King Chimnyu
384-385
Chimnyu accepted Buddhism through the monk Marananta from Dongjin. This mirrors how Goguryeo's Soosirimwang accepted Buddhism through the envoy Shun-do. Both cases are important to remember.
Interestingly, Chimnyu died suddenly less than two years into his reign, and the exact reasons are not recorded. Speculation suggests that there may have been friction with local religious factions during the introduction of Buddhism.
After Chimnyu's death, instead of the originally intended heir Buyeo Ashin, Buyeo Jinsa ascended the throne, leading to suspicions that Buyeo Jinsa's faction may have murdered the king.
17th King Ashin
392-405
During Jinsa's reign, the situation in Baekje was dire as Goguryeo began to exert significant pressure. After suffering multiple defeats, Jinsa eventually died. The Samguk Sagi records that Baekje's officials killed Jinsa and placed Ashin on the throne, likely due to the declining royal authority from the continued losses.
Upon ascending the throne, Ashin's primary concern was Goguryeo. He launched annual invasions against Goguryeo, yet each ended in defeat. Despite this, Ashin persisted in his attacks, which eventually provoked Goguryeo's King Gwanggaeto to invade Baekje in 396, leading to Ashin's surrender.
In 405, Ashin died under unclear circumstances, possibly murdered by nobles or citizens due to the state of affairs.
20th King Bi-yu
427-255
Bi-yu formed the first Nae-Jae alliance with Silla in 433, aiming to counter Goguryeo's influence.
21st King Gae-ro
455-475
During King Jangsu's expansionist policies, Gae-ro sought ways to counter Goguryeo. However, upon sending a diplomatic mission to Northern Wei, he faced severe repercussions.
22nd King Munju
475-477
After fleeing to establish a new capital in Ungjin, he was soon killed in a rebellion.
25th King Muryeong
501-523
Known for the Muryeong Royal Tomb, which remains intact and unlooted, showcasing Baekje's cultural exchanges with the Southern Dynasties of China.
26th King Seong
523-554
Seong, the son of Muryeong, strengthened the kingdom and engaged in successful campaigns against Goguryeo but ultimately fell in battle against Silla.
30th King Mu
600-641
Mu is famous for his victories over Goguryeo and Silla, ushering in a new era for Baekje.
31st King Uija
641-660
Uija's reign ended with the fall of Baekje after the Battle of Hwangsanbeol in 660, leading to the kingdom's collapse.
Baekje Restoration Movements
Despite Uija's surrender, various movements arose, notably by Heukchi Sangji and Bokshin, attempting to restore Baekje's power.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/yougunbbang/224258100484
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