Pasa of Silla


Pasa the great was the fifth ruler of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He is commonly called Pasa Isageum, isageum being the royal title in early Silla. As a descendant of Silla's founder Hyeokgeose, his surname was Bak.

Background

According to the Samguk Sagi, he was son of Talhae of Silla, and a woman from Persia.
He was Yuri's nephew indicate the powerful support of the Seok clan.

Reign

In 87, he built Silla's first recorded castles outside of the Gyeongju region.
In 94, when the adjacent Gaya confederacy attacked, Pasa sent 1,000 cavalry to respond. When the Gaya attacked again two years later, he personally led a force of 5,000 to another victory. Pasa was subsequently appeased by an emissary from Gaya, but maintained superiority over the confederacy.
In 101, the Wolseong royal fortress was first constructed. Portions of this fortress are still preserved in central Gyeongju.
The next year, Silla gained control over the previously independent states of Siljikgok, Eumjipbeol, and Apdok. Six years later he took over the states of Biji, Dabeol, and Chopal as well.
The rival Korean kingdom of Baekje had attacked in 85, but Pasa made peace with Giru of Baekje in 105.