Historical Capitals of the World

Ji'an

Country: China

Region: Asia

Period: 3rd-5th c.CE

Location: 41.138722°N, 126.176194°E

Description

Gungnae was the first capital of the Goguryeo Kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, located in present-day northeastern China and parts of Korea. Situated on the banks of the Yalu River, Gungnae played a vital role as a political, military, and cultural center during the early centuries of the kingdom, which lasted from 37 BCE to 668 CE.

Modern Remains

Today, the site of Gungnae is located near the modern city of Ji'an in Jilin Province, China. Archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of walls, gates, and royal structures, along with artifacts such as ceramics, inscriptions, and tombs, which offer insights into the kingdom's architecture, culture, and military strategies. Despite the passage of time and political changes, Gungnae's legacy as a foundational city of Goguryeo continues to be remembered through these remains, shedding light on the early history of Korean civilization.

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