Did you know Korea has the largest number of ancient gold crowns in the world?
Among the 13 ancient gold crowns found around the world, seven are from the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla(57 B.C.–A.D. 935). For this reason, Silla is also known as the kingdom of gold crowns. Silla is considered the ancient leader in gold crown production. What did gold crowns mean to the people of Silla? The Silla crowns are embellished with ornaments that resemble deer antlers and tree branches. Ancient Silla people saw the deer as a messenger of heaven and trees as pathways to heaven. Gold signifies eternity.
Given that the gold crowns were found in the tombs of the kings, they may symbolize Silla kings’ determination to protect the people even after death. The average length of a Chinese dynasty is 150 years. It is rare to find a dynasty that lasted for a millennium. Silla kings’ dedication to the people might have been the drive for the kingdom’s longevity. Silla’s gold crowns represent the legacy of the millennium kingdom.