The Baekje–Goguryeo War (660 CE) - Silla Diplomacy and a Kingdom’s Final Stand

As a historian specializing in ancient Korean history, I often find myself drawn to tales of epic battles, cunning diplomacy, and empires rising and falling. One event that consistently captivates me is the Baekje–Goguryeo War of 660 CE. This conflict, marked by brutal fighting and dramatic shifts in alliances, ultimately resulted in the fall of the Baekje kingdom, a pivotal moment in Korean history that reshaped the political landscape of the peninsula.

To understand the war’s context, we must delve into the intricate web of relationships between the three major kingdoms of ancient Korea: Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo. These kingdoms had been locked in a perpetual struggle for dominance for centuries. By the 7th century, Silla, located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, was rapidly gaining strength under the leadership of Queen Seondeok and King Muyeol.

Silla recognized the strategic advantage it could gain by eliminating Baekje, its longstanding rival to the west. However, Baekje was a formidable opponent, boasting strong ties with powerful neighboring kingdoms like Yamato Japan. Silla needed an ally to ensure its victory.

This is where Goguryeo, the largest and most powerful kingdom in the north, entered the equation. While Goguryeo had historically been at odds with both Baekje and Silla, they saw an opportunity in this conflict. A weakened Baekje would leave Goguryeo as the undisputed leader of the peninsula.

In a shrewd move, Silla sent diplomatic envoys to Goguryeo proposing a joint invasion of Baekje. This alliance was sealed through a pact that promised Goguryeo significant territorial gains from Baekje in exchange for their military support.

The war itself was a brutal and protracted affair. The combined forces of Silla and Goguryeo launched a surprise attack on Baekje’s capital, Sabi, in 660 CE. Baekje, caught off guard by the unexpected alliance, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the overwhelming firepower of its enemies.

The fall of Sabi marked a turning point in the war. With their capital captured and their leadership decimated, Baekje’s remaining forces crumbled under pressure.

One notable incident during the siege was the bravery of Gwisil Boksin, a Baekje general who attempted a daring counter-offensive against Silla’s army but was ultimately defeated. His story serves as a reminder of the fierce resistance Baekje put up even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Following Baekje’s defeat, Silla consolidated its control over the southwestern part of the peninsula. Goguryeo, true to their pact, annexed significant territories from Baekje. However, the alliance between Silla and Goguryeo was short-lived. The two kingdoms soon turned on each other, leading to another devastating conflict known as the Goguryeo–Silla War (668–676 CE).

The consequences of the Baekje–Goguryeo War were far-reaching:

• End of Baekje: This once-powerful kingdom was utterly dismantled.
• Rise of Silla: The war solidified Silla’s position as the dominant power on the Korean peninsula, paving the way for its unification under King Muyeol.
• Shift in Power Dynamics: The balance of power shifted dramatically, with Goguryeo initially benefiting but eventually facing a confrontation with Silla that would determine the fate of the peninsula.

The Baekje–Goguryeo War serves as a compelling example of the complex interplay between diplomacy, military strategy, and ambition that characterized ancient Korean history. It underscores the fragility of alliances and the enduring struggle for power that shaped the destinies of these kingdoms.