The Baekje–Silla War: Silla Unification and Buddhism’s Rise as a Powerful Force

The 7th century in Korean history was punctuated by fierce struggles for power, culminating in one decisive conflict - the Baekje-Silla war of 660 CE. This war, a clash between two powerful kingdoms vying for control over the peninsula, had profound and lasting repercussions on the sociopolitical and religious landscape of Korea.

Prior to this tumultuous event, the Korean peninsula was divided into three main kingdoms: Goguryeo in the north, Baekje in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast. Each kingdom possessed its own unique culture, political structure, and religious affiliations. Baekje, known for its maritime prowess and strong ties with Japan, embraced Buddhism as a state religion, while Silla, initially less powerful than its rivals, gradually forged alliances and gained momentum through strategic maneuvering.

The seeds of conflict were sown due to a combination of factors: Baekje’s growing influence in the region threatened Silla’s territorial ambitions; Baekje’s alliance with Japan posed a regional security concern for Silla; and Silla’s ambitious king, Muyeol, envisioned a unified Korean peninsula under his rule.

Silla, recognizing its relative military weakness, shrewdly sought an alliance with the powerful Tang Dynasty of China. This strategic partnership proved decisive in tipping the balance of power. In 660 CE, a joint Silla-Tang force launched a surprise attack on Baekje’s capital, Sadae (modern-day Gongju). The siege was brutal and protracted, but ultimately successful. Baekje forces, overwhelmed by the combined might of their enemies, crumbled.

Following the fall of Baekje, Silla turned its attention towards Goguryeo in the north. A second war ensued, culminating in the subjugation of Goguryeo in 668 CE. With these victories, Silla emerged as the dominant power on the Korean peninsula.

The Baekje-Silla War and Silla’s subsequent unification had profound consequences for Korea:

• Political Centralization: The war led to the centralization of political power under Silla rule, ending the period of fragmented kingdoms.
• Rise of Buddhism: Buddhism, initially introduced by Baekje and embraced as a state religion, flourished during Silla’s reign. Buddhism became deeply intertwined with Korean culture, influencing art, architecture, literature, and societal values.

Silla’s patronage led to the construction of numerous Buddhist temples, monasteries, and pagodas throughout the peninsula.

• Economic Growth: The unification process facilitated trade and economic growth. Silla implemented a centralized bureaucracy and standardized weights and measures, encouraging commerce.

The war, while undoubtedly a period of great upheaval and violence, also laid the groundwork for a unified Korean identity. It marked the beginning of the Three Kingdoms Period’s transition into the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE), a golden age for Korean civilization.

It is crucial to acknowledge that history is not simply a narrative of battles and political victories. The Baekje-Silla War also left scars on the collective memory of Koreans. The destruction and displacement caused by the war impacted countless lives, highlighting the human cost of conflict.

Today, the legacy of the Baekje-Silla War remains evident in Korea’s cultural landscape. Ancient Buddhist temples stand as testaments to Silla’s patronage, while archaeological sites continue to reveal fascinating insights into the daily life of people during this transformative period. The war serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of history - the rise and fall of empires, the enduring power of belief systems, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.