Oldest Silla Gilt-Bronze Crown Unearthed in Gyeongju: Complete Horse Armor and Helmet Found in Commander’s Tomb

Male Remains and Sacrificial Attendant Discovered in Hwangnam-dong Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 1
"Key Materials for Research on Silla’s Heavily Armored Cavalry" to Be Revealed from the 27th
Media Facade to Illuminate Cheomseongdae Ahead of APEC Summit

Location of Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 1 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju

Beneath Stone Mound Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 120 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, archaeologists have unearthed a wooden coffin tomb believed to be the burial site of a Silla military commander, along with armor, a helmet, parts of a gilt-bronze crown, the skeletal remains of a man presumed to be the tomb owner, and additional remains thought to belong to an attendant. This discovery is considered a significant clue in understanding the transformation of Silla tomb styles as well as the social and military systems of the era.

The National Heritage Administration announced on October 20 that, in collaboration with the city of Gyeongju, it identified a wooden coffin tomb constructed prior to the stone mound wooden coffin tomb as part of the Silla Royal Capital Core Heritage Restoration and Maintenance Project. The newly discovered tomb has been named "Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 1 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju."

Inside the wooden coffin tomb, archaeologists uncovered what is believed to be the oldest gilt-bronze crown fragment ever found from Silla. A representative from the National Heritage Administration described it as "an important artifact that will reveal the true nature of metal craftsmanship among the Silla elite."

Owner's Decorative Artifacts and Burial Goods of the Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 1 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju

The armor and helmets for both human and horse were discovered in nearly perfect condition. In particular, the horse armor, which is only the second of its kind found after the one discovered at Tomb C10 in the Jjoksaem District of Gyeongju, is drawing attention as a valuable artifact that demonstrates the existence of Silla’s heavily armored cavalry and their formidable military power around the 5th century.

The tomb is divided into a main chamber and a subsidiary chamber. In the main chamber, the skeletal remains of a man equipped with a large sword were found, confirming that the tomb's owner was a Silla military commander. Dental analysis suggests he was approximately 30 years old at the time of death. In the subsidiary chamber, the remains of a person buried with various grave goods were identified, presumed to be an attendant who served the commander. A representative from the National Heritage Administration stated, "This provides insight into the hierarchical order and power structure of Silla society at the time."

Owner's Decorative Artifacts and Burial Goods of Wooden Coffin Tomb No. 1 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju

This excavation is significant not only for the discovery of a new tomb, but also as a transitional case that illustrates the evolution of Silla tomb styles from wooden coffin tombs to stone mound wooden coffin tombs. In particular, the complete set of armor and helmet unearthed here, together with those from Tomb C10 in Jjoksaem, are expected to become key materials for research on Silla’s heavily armored cavalry.

The National Heritage Administration will release the excavation results to the public and international visitors during the 2025 APEC Summit. From October 27 to November 1, the excavation site will be open to visitors, and major artifacts will be exhibited at the Silla Wolseong Research Center of the National Gyeongju Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.

Meanwhile, ahead of APEC, the National Heritage Administration and the city of Gyeongju will present a media facade on the exterior of Cheomseongdae, a symbol of Silla astronomy. Beginning with a lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on October 20, the projection mapping show will be displayed daily until November 1. Using projection mapping technology, the entire Cheomseongdae structure will be transformed into a massive screen, depicting scenes of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and comets, as well as constellations from the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido star map and the four guardian deities-Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise-from the Four Guardian Deities painting, showcasing the history and mythology of Korean astronomy.

Cheomseongdae Media Facade 'Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido'

The "Guhwang-dong Garden Site in Gyeongju," considered the epitome of Unified Silla garden culture, will also be newly renovated as a "Garden of Light" with nighttime landscape lighting. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily until November 1, the garden will be illuminated, offering visitors a spectacular night view. The Guhwang-dong Garden Site is a heritage site that exemplifies the garden culture of the Silla elite in the 7th and 8th centuries, with features such as a lotus pond, artificial island, and stone embankments that have been well preserved.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.