Queen Seondeok (Sondok) ruled the ancient kingdom of Silla from 632 to 647 CE and was the first female sovereign in ancient Korea. Silla was on the verge of dominating the whole of the Korean peninsula and Seondeok helped progress her kingdom towards this goal. Her reign was also distinguished by the increased integration of Buddhism, already the official state religion, and the construction of the famous Cheomseongdae, the oldest observatory in East Asia.
More about: Queen SeondeokDefinition
Timeline
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57 BCE - 918 CEThe Silla Kingdom rules in Korea, first as one of the Three Kingdoms and then alone from 668 CE.
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632 CE - 647 CEReign of Silla queen Seondeok in south-eastern Korea.
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642 CEThe Baekje and Goguryeo kingdoms join forces against the Silla and conquer Taeya-song (modern Hapchon).
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644 CEA Goguryeo army defeats a combined Silla and Tang army.
