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Parhae

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Parhae, also known as Balhae or Bohai, was a multiethnic kingdom in East Asia. It was founded in 698 by a leader named Dae Joyeong. At its largest extent, the kingdom covered vast territories. These lands included Northeast China, the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, and the southeastern Russian Far East. Parhae is significant because it served as a major power in the region for centuries. It represented a complex blend of different cultures and peoples living under one rule.

The formation of Parhae began after the fall of the Goguryeo state in 668. Following this collapse, Dae Joyeong lived under the control of the Tang dynasty in the Yingzhou region. He eventually led Goguryeo refugees and Mohe tribes toward Manchuria. During a time of Khitan rebellion, Dae Joyeong achieved a major military victory. This occurred at the Battle of Tianmenling against Tang forces. Following this victory, he established his new state at Dongmo Mountain in 698. He initially called his new state Jin.

Parhae's relationship with the Tang dynasty changed significantly over time. In its early years, the relationship was marked by military and political conflict. However, by the end of the 8th century, the two powers became cordial and friendly. The Tang dynasty eventually recognized Parhae's strength and success. They gave it the title "Prosperous Country of the East Ocean." This title reflected the high status Parhae held in international diplomacy.

貞恵公主墓誌
貞恵公主墓誌

The kingdom was composed of two distinct social and ethnic groups. The ruling class consisted of people from the former Goguryeo state. These leaders brought many cultural elements with them to Parhae. They used ondol, which is a traditional floor heating system. They also utilized specific styles of pottery and unique architectural structures for tombs.

Pressapochista4
Pressapochista4

The majority of the commoner population was made up of Mohe peoples, also called Malgal. This division between the Goguryeo elite and the Mohe commoners is a central part of Parhae's history.

Because of its diverse population, the identity of Parhae is a subject of intense historiographical dispute. Historians from Korea, China, and Russia often hold different views on its origins. Korean scholars typically view Parhae as a Korean state and a successor to Goguryeo. Chinese scholars often emphasize that the Mohe people formed the ethnic majority. Russian and Western scholars have also engaged in these debates regarding ethnic composition. Some scholars argue that these disputes reflect modern political perspectives rather than just historical evidence.

Parhae's international status was also shaped by its neighbors, such as Silla and Japan. In the early years, the kingdom Silla attempted to confer a mid-ranking title upon Dae Joyeong. This title was "Dae achan," which was a fifth-rank official position. Silla used this to show its own seniority, as it was a much older state. Later, Parhae sent diplomatic missions to Japan. In these communications, Parhae rulers claimed to be descended from Heaven.

Pressapochista4
Pressapochista4

These diplomatic interactions helped define Parhae's place in the broader East Asian political system.

The kingdom eventually faced decline and conquest. In 926, the Khitan-led Liao dynasty conquered Parhae. Even after the kingdom fell, the people of Parhae survived as a distinct group. They remained a recognizable population for another three centuries during the Liao and Jin dynasties. The group finally disappeared under Mongol rule. The legacy of Parhae remains a vital topic for understanding the history of Northeast Asia.

貞恵公主墓誌
貞恵公主墓誌
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