Battle of Chiyang

Overview

The Battle of Chiyang (雉壤) was fought between Goguryeo and Baekje in the autumn of the ninth month of 369 (Year 39 of King Gogukwon of Goguryeo, Year 24 of King Geunchogo of Baekje; dates are in the lunar calendar). It was the first large-scale military clash between the two kingdoms recorded in the sources, and Baekje won a decisive victory. It marked the beginning of the Goguryeo–Baekje war that led to the Battle of Pyongyang two years later.

The map marker is placed in the Baechon area of South Hwanghae Province, which is presumed to be Chiyang (the location is approximate).

Background

After the Lelang and Daifang commanderies had disappeared, the former Daifang region (around present-day Hwanghae Province) became a buffer zone between Goguryeo and Baekje. Goguryeo expanded Pyongyang Fortress in 334 and made it a base for southward advance. After the Murong Huang's invasion in 342 blocked its westward expansion, Goguryeo focused its efforts on the south. Baekje, too, after the accession of Geunchogo, was strengthening royal authority, forming friendly ties with Silla, and seeking to extend its influence northward.

Course of events

Southward advance of the Goguryeo army

The Goguryeo annals of the Samguk sagi briefly record that in the autumn of the ninth month of Year 39 of King Gogukwon, "the king attacked southern Baekje with 20,000 troops and fought at Chiyang, but was defeated." The Baekje annals give more detail: "King Sayu (斯由, King Gogukwon) of Goguryeo led 20,000 infantry and cavalry and came, camping at Chiyang, and divided his troops to plunder the villages."

Surprise attack by Crown Prince Geunguswu

King Geunchogo sent the crown prince (later King Geunguswu). The prince led his troops by a shortcut directly to Chiyang, attacked urgently and defeated them, and beheaded more than 5,000 men. The captured prisoners and spoils were distributed among the soldiers. It appears that the success of Baekje's ambush was due to the fact that the Goguryeo troops were dispersed in the middle of plundering.

Great review south of the Han River

In the eleventh month of that winter, Baekje held a large-scale review south of the Han River (漢水, Han River), and all the banners were yellow. Yellow represented the center in the Five Phases, and this is interpreted as a ritual by which King Geunchogo displayed his victory and the dignity of royal authority.