Key Facts
- Duration
- 18 BCE – 660 CE
- Peak population
- ~3,800,000 (760,000 households)
- Peak extent
- Most of western Korean peninsula, reaching Pyongyang
- Founder
- Onjo, son of Goguryeo's founder Dongmyeong
- Conquered by
- Tang China and Silla alliance, 660 CE
Imperial Zenith Metrics
Historical Trajectory
Phase I: Rise
Baekje was founded around 18 BCE by Onjo, the third son of Goguryeo's founder, at Wiryeseong in what is now southern Seoul. The kingdom claimed descent from the ancient state of Buyeo in Manchuria, lending it dynastic legitimacy. Over subsequent centuries, Baekje expanded across the southwestern Korean peninsula, competing and at times allying with its neighbors Goguryeo and Silla as all three kingdoms vied for dominance over the peninsula.
Phase II: Zenith
At its height in the 4th century, Baekje controlled most of the western Korean peninsula as far north as Pyongyang, and possibly held commanderies in the Liaoxi region of China. It became a formidable maritime power, earning comparison to Phoenicia for its nautical prowess. This sea power enabled active trade and diplomatic relations with China and Japan, and Baekje played a central role in transmitting Buddhism and continental culture to the Japanese archipelago.
Phase III: Decline
Baekje's power declined as Silla consolidated strength and formed an alliance with Tang China. In 660 CE, a combined Tang-Silla military campaign defeated Baekje, and the kingdom fell despite a brief restoration effort known as the Baekje Revival Movement. The last king Uija surrendered, ending Baekje's independence. Its territory was absorbed into the emerging Unified Silla state, while refugees including the royal line emigrated to Japan, establishing the Kudara no Konikishi clan.
Notable Imperial Reigns
Selected rulers mapping the empire’s trajectory