Gaya Disappears in a Golden Flash

[Narration]
The artifacts we can see here are evidence of Gaya’s exchange with foreign countries. The pendant silver ornaments of the belt and the gold earrings were all made under the influence of Silla, a powerful neighboring kingdom of Gaya. Unfortunately, these luxurious ornaments were made around the time Gaya collapsed due to pressure from its more powerful neighbors.

[Tourist]
How is that? I would have thought that these extravagant ornaments were indicative of a strong, economically wealthy Gaya Confederacy.

[Narration]
I agree, but politically, the confederacy was continually embroiled in conflicts with neighboring countries over territorial expansion.

[Tourist]
I don’t understand. How could they make such luxurious items in the midst of defeat?

[Narration]
Most of the small Gaya polities were absorbed into the Silla kingdom without conflict. They engaged in pragmatic diplomacy and had already been under the cultural and economic influence of Silla for a long time. The ornaments and earthenware produced by those particular Gaya polities were influenced by Silla’s style.

[Tourist]
I see. Were most of the Gaya polities dependent on Silla at that time?

[Narration]
No. While a strong Gaya polity led the confederacy, Gaya experienced political peace. The independent culture of Gaya, represented by its iron industry and unique earthenware, was established during that period. Gaya’s stringed instrument called gayageum is now one of the most popular traditional Korean musical instruments. From this example, you can appreciate the sophistication of Gaya’s culture.