The Formation and Evolution of the Armament System in the Central Polity of Alla-guk

Alla-guk's armament system, central to the Late Gaya Confederacy, evolved through distinct phases marked by technological integration and hierarchical military structure. Analysis of 209 tombs, focusing on 73 with significant weapon combinations, revealed five armament types, from complex elite sets (Type A) to basic individual burials (Type E). The system progressed from lower-tier gear in the 1st-2nd centuries to advanced cavalry tactics by the mid-5th century, blending local techniques with external influences. Standardization of the 'Alla-guk style' in the late 5th to early 6th century reflected pragmatic adaptations, but a decline in burial quantities by the mid-6th century signaled weakening sovereign power. This closed hierarchical structure enabled advanced military development while restricting broader societal diffusion.

Kim, S.-s. (2026). The Formation and Evolution of the Armament System in the Central Polity of Alla-guk. The Pusan Archaeological Society, 38, 55–79. https://doi.org/10.47735/odia.2026.38.55