Gwanggaeto Stele - Debate Over An Ancient Message

Debate Over An Ancient Message

It soon became clear that the stele was dedicated to king Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo, who reigned 391-413 CE It also became clear the stele was raised as a grand memorial epitaph to the celebrated monarch, whose empty tomb indeed lay nearby. Though historians and epigraphers still grapple with the interpretation of portions of the text, the inscription's general layout is clear. One face provides a retelling of the foundation legend of Goguryeo. Another provides terms for the maintenance of Gwanggaeto's tomb in perpetuity. It is the rest of the inscription, which provides a synopsis of Gwanggaeto's reign and his numerous martial accomplishments (see section above) that is rife with the most controversy.

The most controversial portion of the stele's narrative has come to be known simply as the "sinmyo passage". The sinmyo passage as far as it is definitively legible reads thus (with highly defaced or unreadable characters designated by an X):

而 倭 以 辛 卯 年 來 渡 海 破 百 殘 X X 羅 以 爲 臣 民

Read more about this topic:  Gwanggaeto Stele

Famous quotes containing the words debate, ancient and/or message:

    What I think the political correctness debate is really about is the power to be able to define. The definers want the power to name. And the defined are now taking that power away from them.
    Toni Morrison (b. 1931)

    With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
    Bible: Hebrew Job, 12:12.

    What’s the use? She would only want me to take a message to dear Albert.
    Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)