Archaeologists in South Korea have uncovered evidence of dog sacrifices near Wolseong Palace, a royal palace of the ancient Silla Kingdom in present-day Gyeongju.
Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, ruled from 57 BC to AD 935, with its capital at Seorabeol (modern-day Gyeongju). The city housed a fortified palace complex, Banwolseong, constructed in the shape of a crescent moon.
Ritual Sacrifices at the Palace Entrance
Previous excavations revealed human and animal remains buried at the palace’s main entrance, likely as part of sacrificial rituals performed during its construction. Now, a new discovery on the outskirts of an ancient village southwest of the palace provides further insight into these practices.
The Korea Heritage Service recently announced the unearthing of a circular structure containing dog bones and various artifacts. According to Kim Heon-seok, a zooarchaeology researcher at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, two dogs were found symmetrically positioned on either side of the structure, suggesting a deliberate ritual placement.
A Violent Death and Mysterious Offerings
Closer examination of the remains indicates that both dogs were crushed to death with significant force. Accompanying the sacrifices were ritual offerings, including a knife, a wooden comb, shark teeth, and a crystal necklace placed inside a wooden box.
Analysis of excavated pottery and artifacts suggests the site dates back to the 3rd century BC, when the region was part of Saro-guk, a statelet within the Jinhan Confederacy. Archaeologists believe that following the ritual, the area was deliberately burned, reinforcing the ceremonial significance of the sacrifices.
Historical Significance
According to the Samguk Sagi, a historical record of Korea’s Three Kingdoms, Silla was founded in 57 BC by Bak Hyeokgeose, who unified the Jinhan clans under his rule.
This latest find sheds new light on ancient Silla’s ritual practices, deepening our understanding of its religious and cultural traditions.
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