Samhan

Samhan refers to a historical kingdom and cultural area located in the Korean peninsula. It is generally understood to encompass the southern part of Korea, roughly corresponding to the area of the ancient Mahan, one of the Three Han states. These states, along with Byeonhan and Jinhan, are collectively known as the Han confederacies, which existed from around the 1st century BCE until the 3rd century CE.

The Samhan confederacies developed in the wake of the decline of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. They were characterized by a collection of small, independent polities that gradually consolidated their power. Mahan was the largest and most influential of these, situated in the southwestern part of the peninsula. It was known for its fertile land and its role in trade and cultural exchange.

The social and political structure of Samhan was not a unified kingdom in the modern sense but rather a loose alliance of chiefdoms. Each chiefdom had its own leader, and there was a degree of hierarchy among them, with a paramount chief in Mahan. The people of Samhan were known for their agricultural practices, particularly rice cultivation, and for their distinct cultural traditions, including unique burial customs and religious beliefs.

The history of Samhan is primarily known through archaeological findings and accounts from Chinese historical texts. These sources suggest that the confederacies engaged in both internal conflict and external relations, including trade and sometimes conflict, with neighboring states and powers in China. Ultimately, the Samhan confederacies were absorbed into the emergent kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, marking a significant transition in Korean history. The legacy of Samhan is seen as a foundational element in the development of Korean culture and identity.