Born: circa 595~610
Died: February 647/January 8, Lunar Calendar
Queen Seondeok of Silla (Korean: 선덕여왕; c. 595~610 17 February 647/January 8, Lunar Calendar) reigned as Queen Regnant of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 632 to 647. She was Silla’s twenty-seventh ruler and its first reigning queen. Queen Seondeok is renowned for her exceptional leadership, intelligence, and contribution to the arts and culture of Silla.
Born as Princess Deokman, Seondeok was the daughter of King Jinpyeong and Queen Maya of Silla. She had two siblings, Princess Cheonmyeong and Princess Seonhwa. There is some controversy surrounding the existence of Princess Seonhwa, as evidence discovered in 2009 suggests that King Uija’s mother was Queen Sataek, not Seonhwa as stated in historical records. It remains uncertain whether Seondeok or Cheonmyeong was the eldest, as different texts provide conflicting information.
Seondeok’s ascent to the throne was not straightforward. King Jinpyeong considered his son-in-law, Kim Yongsu (husband of Princess Cheonmyeong), as the possible successor due to his contributions to the country. However, when Princess Deokman learned of this, she insisted on competing for the throne herself, arguing that she had the right to do so. Empowered by her determination, King Jinpyeong allowed her the opportunity to prove herself worthy. This event, which is not mentioned in some historical texts, showcases Seondeok’s strong will and ambition.
The idea of a female ruler was initially met with resistance, despite the presence of powerful women in Silla’s history. Queen Seondeok had to demonstrate her capabilities and gain the trust and support of her people. Eventually, she succeeded in overcoming the opposition and was named King Jinpyeong’s successor. According to Samguk yusa, the decision for Seondeok to become a female monarch simply arose from the absence of a male Seonggol in the Bone-rank system.
During her reign, Queen Seondeok faced numerous challenges and threats to her power. In May of 631, officials Chilsuk and Seokpum planned a rebellion against her rule. Fortunately, the authorities discovered the plot early on and swiftly suppressed it. As punishment, Chilsuk was beheaded, demonstrating Queen Seondeok’s commitment to maintaining stability and security within her kingdom.
Queen Seondeok’s reign brought about a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing in Silla, often referred to as the Seondeok Renaissance. She encouraged the advancement of thought, literature, and the arts, leading to a golden age of creativity and innovation. The queen’s patronage of scholars and the promotion of education contributed to the growth of intellectual pursuits, resulting in significant achievements in various fields.
Under her rule, Buddhism also experienced significant growth. Queen Seondeok played an instrumental role in fostering the religion and supporting the construction of numerous Buddhist temples. This contribution to the spread and development of Buddhism in Silla had a lasting impact on the region’s religious and cultural landscape.
Queen Seondeok’s reign marked a pivotal moment in women’s history. As the second recorded female sovereign in East Asia, she shattered gender norms and expanded the possibilities for women in positions of power. Despite facing initial resistance, her intelligence, resilience, and dedication to the welfare of her people solidified her legacy as a trailblazing female leader.
Awards:
– Queen Seondeok of Silla was honored posthumously with the title Queen Seondeok the Great (선덕대왕) in recognition of her remarkable reign and contributions to Silla’s cultural and political development.
– She is also revered as a national hero of Korea, with numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to her memory throughout the country.
Queen Seondeok’s reign continues to be a subject of admiration and study, emphasizing her enduring impact on Silla and her significant role in shaping the history of Korea. Her leadership, intellectual pursuits, and determination have cemented her place as one of East Asia’s most influential and inspiring female figures of all time.