Pasa of Silla
Pasa of Silla 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.
Family
- Grandfather: King Namhae of Silla
- Grandmother: Lady Unje
- Father: Yuri Isageum
- Mother: Queen Kim, of the Kim clan
- Consort and issue:
- * Queen Saseong, of the Kim clan
- **Jima of Silla, 1st son
Background
Pasa Isageum's Pasa is a Buddhist name, meaning 'truth appears' in Sanskrit. However, since it is long before Buddhism was introduced to Silla, it is likely that the Chinese character meaning was added later on. Pasa is rendering of a Chinese character for pronounce
In Nihon Shoki's Empress Jingū part, characters are recorded as different pasa because they are rendering of a Chinese character, which is more important than the meaning of Chinese characters.
But, it is highly likely that the Japanese Historian's Pasa was confused with Silseong Maripgan the Japanese historian who lacked an understanding of early Silla history.
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 and would continue to be used until the fall of Silla. 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.