Ep 26. Korea - The Koryo

In season 1 episode 26 of Foundations of Eastern Civilization, we explore Korea during the Koryo dynasty. The episode begins by describing the political and social structure of the Koryo dynasty, which lasted from 918 to 1392. During this time, the ruling elite and aristocracy held most of the power, while peasants and craftsmen were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The episode then delves into the cultural and technological advancements made during the Koryo dynasty. One of the most notable achievements was the invention of the movable metal type printing press, which revolutionized the dissemination of information and literature. The episode goes into detail about the process of creating these metal type blocks and how they were used to print books and Buddhist texts.

Another significant cultural development during the Koryo dynasty was the rise of Buddhism. The episode explains the origins and beliefs of Buddhism and how it became an integral part of Korean culture during this time. Buddhist temples and monasteries were built throughout the country, and Buddhism influenced art, architecture, and literature.

The episode also explores the relationship between Korea and its neighbors during the Koryo dynasty. Korea had close ties with China, and Chinese culture influenced Korean art, literature, and philosophy. However, Korea also had to deal with regular invasions by the Mongols, who eventually conquered the country in the late 13th century.

The episode concludes by discussing the decline and fall of the Koryo dynasty, which was marked by internal struggles for power and external threats from neighboring countries. The dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Joseon dynasty in 1392.

Throughout the episode, we see examples of Korean art, artifacts, and architecture from the Koryo dynasty. The episode also includes interviews with historians and scholars who provide additional insight into the culture and history of Korea during this time.

Overall, Foundations of Eastern Civilization season 1 episode 26 provides a fascinating look into Korea during the Koryo dynasty, exploring the cultural, technological, and political developments that shaped the country during this time.