Difference between revisions of "Cheomseongdae" - New World Encyclopedia
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{{koreanname|image=[[Image:Cheomseongdae2.jpg|200px]]|hangul=첨성대|hanja=瞻星臺|rr=Cheomseongdae|mr=Ch'ŏmsŏngdae}} | {{koreanname|image=[[Image:Cheomseongdae2.jpg|200px]]|hangul=첨성대|hanja=瞻星臺|rr=Cheomseongdae|mr=Ch'ŏmsŏngdae}} | ||
| − | A stone astronomical observatory in [[Gyeongju]], [[South Korea]], '''Cheomseongdae''' is considered the earliest existing | + | A stone astronomical observatory in [[Gyeongju]], [[South Korea]], '''Cheomseongdae''' is considered the earliest existing observatory in the world, dating back to the 7th century before the [[Unified Shilla dynasty]]. Considered the oldest existing observatory in East Asia, Cheomseongdae (Nearer the Stars Palace) is a familiar symbol on Korean coins and in travel literature, often symbolizing Korea itself. On December 20 1962, the Korean government designated Cheomseongdae their [[national treasures of Korea|31st national treasure]]. |
== The Structure == | == The Structure == | ||
| − | + | Bunhwangsa Temple in Gyeongju, built during the same time period, presents a construction style that contrasts with Cheomseongdae. Whereas Cheomseongdae sports a milk bottle shape with contours, Bunhwangsa's silhouttee presents a three tier design. Cheomseongda stands 5.7 meters wide at the base and 9.4 meters tall, and filled with earth up to the level of the window. Cylindrical in shape, it resembles the upper part of a coca cola bottle. An opening is constructed half way up the structure. The astromomer is thought to have gained entry into the tower through the opening by climbing a ladder (see the image below). Today, dirt fills the tower to the opening level. Archeologists believe that the star gazer reached the top of the structer by way of another ladder inside. | |
Resting on the top of the tower, eight rectangular stones (8 feet by 6 feet) are positioned to form two squares. Inside the tower from the opening, two sets of stone bars are positioned parallel to the top of the opening. Archeologists believe that those stones supported the stairway to the top. | Resting on the top of the tower, eight rectangular stones (8 feet by 6 feet) are positioned to form two squares. Inside the tower from the opening, two sets of stone bars are positioned parallel to the top of the opening. Archeologists believe that those stones supported the stairway to the top. | ||
| − | The tower is built out of 362 pieces of cut granite which some claim represent the 362 days of the moon|lunar year. Some surveys of the site have indicated that there are 366 blocks. The window space is framed within three stone tiers making a total of twenty seven circular layers of stones. Queen Seondeok | + | The tower is built out of 362 pieces of cut granite which some claim represent the 362 days of the moon|lunar year. Some surveys of the site have indicated that there are 366 blocks. The window space is framed within three stone tiers making a total of twenty seven circular layers of stones. Silla constructed Cheomseongdae in 647 to honor the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla. Twelve of the layers are below the window level and twelve are above. Some argue that those twelve tiers represent the twelve signs of the Korean zodiac or the twelve months of the year. There are twelve large base stones set in a square, with three stones on each side, representing the twelve months of the year and four seasons. |
[[Image:CheomseongdaeModel2.jpg||thumb|150px|A scaled down model of the Cheomseongdae showing its use as an observatory]] | [[Image:CheomseongdaeModel2.jpg||thumb|150px|A scaled down model of the Cheomseongdae showing its use as an observatory]] | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
| − | According to '' | + | According to ''Samguk Yusa'', Cheomseongdae was constructed under the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) (선덕여왕) near the capital of the kingdom. Seondeok became the first queen to rule Silla after her father, King Jinpyeong of Silla (r. 579-632) (26th king), died without a son. The Silla court ordered Cheomseongdae built upon her death in 647 C.E. |
| + | |||
| + | From the top of Cheomseongdae, state astronomers observed the sky twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. They recorded important celestial pheonomena, dispatching a messager to the royal thone to inform him immediately. The king would convene the royal astronomical board to confer upon exceptionally significant events. The court would take into account the interpretations of celestial events when making recommendations before undertaking important projects, adventures, or ceremonies. | ||
Koreans have had a fascination with the stars from its earliest history. They believe influences from the stars dictate the happenings in the universe, history, society, and the person's life. That view came from China, maintaining that the movement of the heavenly bodies determine the course of history and people's lives. The line between astronomy and astrology sometimes blurred. Yet, undeniably, Koreans interest in the precise nature of the movement of the heavenly bodies for over 2000 years has led to a large body of astronomical knowledge. That Cheomseongdae has become a national symbol is fitting, since the observation tower represents both Korean's quest for scientific and philsophical knowledge. | Koreans have had a fascination with the stars from its earliest history. They believe influences from the stars dictate the happenings in the universe, history, society, and the person's life. That view came from China, maintaining that the movement of the heavenly bodies determine the course of history and people's lives. The line between astronomy and astrology sometimes blurred. Yet, undeniably, Koreans interest in the precise nature of the movement of the heavenly bodies for over 2000 years has led to a large body of astronomical knowledge. That Cheomseongdae has become a national symbol is fitting, since the observation tower represents both Korean's quest for scientific and philsophical knowledge. | ||
| − | Silla dynasty astronomers accurated predicted solar and lunar eclipses and charted the course of comets. The kings and queens relied upon court astrologers readings for heavenily events to embark on wars, prohibitions, agricultural innovations, court and dynasty ceremonies, and every other significant dynastic activity. Fortune tellers have perfected their arts over 2000 years. | + | Before 535 C.E., Silla used a calendar borrowed from China but after that date Silla developed its own calendar. A Chinese envoy questioned the change, leading to Silla readopting the Chinese calendar. Silla dynasty astronomers accurated predicted solar and lunar eclipses and charted the course of comets. The kings and queens relied upon court astrologers readings for heavenily events to embark on wars, prohibitions, agricultural innovations, court and dynasty ceremonies, and every other significant dynastic activity. Fortune tellers have perfected their arts over 2000 years. |
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
Revision as of 20:52, 26 April 2007
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A stone astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea, Cheomseongdae is considered the earliest existing observatory in the world, dating back to the 7th century before the Unified Shilla dynasty. Considered the oldest existing observatory in East Asia, Cheomseongdae (Nearer the Stars Palace) is a familiar symbol on Korean coins and in travel literature, often symbolizing Korea itself. On December 20 1962, the Korean government designated Cheomseongdae their 31st national treasure.
The Structure
Bunhwangsa Temple in Gyeongju, built during the same time period, presents a construction style that contrasts with Cheomseongdae. Whereas Cheomseongdae sports a milk bottle shape with contours, Bunhwangsa's silhouttee presents a three tier design. Cheomseongda stands 5.7 meters wide at the base and 9.4 meters tall, and filled with earth up to the level of the window. Cylindrical in shape, it resembles the upper part of a coca cola bottle. An opening is constructed half way up the structure. The astromomer is thought to have gained entry into the tower through the opening by climbing a ladder (see the image below). Today, dirt fills the tower to the opening level. Archeologists believe that the star gazer reached the top of the structer by way of another ladder inside.
Resting on the top of the tower, eight rectangular stones (8 feet by 6 feet) are positioned to form two squares. Inside the tower from the opening, two sets of stone bars are positioned parallel to the top of the opening. Archeologists believe that those stones supported the stairway to the top.
The tower is built out of 362 pieces of cut granite which some claim represent the 362 days of the moon|lunar year. Some surveys of the site have indicated that there are 366 blocks. The window space is framed within three stone tiers making a total of twenty seven circular layers of stones. Silla constructed Cheomseongdae in 647 to honor the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla. Twelve of the layers are below the window level and twelve are above. Some argue that those twelve tiers represent the twelve signs of the Korean zodiac or the twelve months of the year. There are twelve large base stones set in a square, with three stones on each side, representing the twelve months of the year and four seasons.
History
According to Samguk Yusa, Cheomseongdae was constructed under the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) (선덕여왕) near the capital of the kingdom. Seondeok became the first queen to rule Silla after her father, King Jinpyeong of Silla (r. 579-632) (26th king), died without a son. The Silla court ordered Cheomseongdae built upon her death in 647 C.E.
From the top of Cheomseongdae, state astronomers observed the sky twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. They recorded important celestial pheonomena, dispatching a messager to the royal thone to inform him immediately. The king would convene the royal astronomical board to confer upon exceptionally significant events. The court would take into account the interpretations of celestial events when making recommendations before undertaking important projects, adventures, or ceremonies.
Koreans have had a fascination with the stars from its earliest history. They believe influences from the stars dictate the happenings in the universe, history, society, and the person's life. That view came from China, maintaining that the movement of the heavenly bodies determine the course of history and people's lives. The line between astronomy and astrology sometimes blurred. Yet, undeniably, Koreans interest in the precise nature of the movement of the heavenly bodies for over 2000 years has led to a large body of astronomical knowledge. That Cheomseongdae has become a national symbol is fitting, since the observation tower represents both Korean's quest for scientific and philsophical knowledge.
Before 535 C.E., Silla used a calendar borrowed from China but after that date Silla developed its own calendar. A Chinese envoy questioned the change, leading to Silla readopting the Chinese calendar. Silla dynasty astronomers accurated predicted solar and lunar eclipses and charted the course of comets. The kings and queens relied upon court astrologers readings for heavenily events to embark on wars, prohibitions, agricultural innovations, court and dynasty ceremonies, and every other significant dynastic activity. Fortune tellers have perfected their arts over 2000 years.
Legacy
Some scholars have argued that the Cheomsongdae's design was heavily influenced by Buddhism, noting similarities between its design and Mount Sumeru, the center of the world according to Buddhist mythology.
In the Silla dynasty, as today, the precise time of a baby's birth even to the minute is used to describe that baby's future. The heavenly influences at that precise time set forever the baby's destiny. Tens of thousands of calculations are made by astrologers to determine the person's destiny. They are consulted when choosing a mate and the person with an unauspicious destiny is doomed to mate with another person with a similar destiny. Parents will prohibit a marriage of their child with a person of ill destiny. The calculations for charting a person's destiny have been recorded in manuals that trace their orgins to Silla and before. The observation tower Cheomseongdae does not mark the beginning of Korean astronomy and astrology; it respresents the enormous importance of reading the stars throughout Korea's history.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Chŏn, Sang-un. 1974. Science and technology in Korea; traditional instruments and techniques. Cambridge, Mass., M.I.T. Press. ISBN: 9780262100144
- Chŏn, Sang-un. 1998. A history of science in Korea. Seoul, Korea: Jimoondang Pub. Co. ISBN: 9788988095119
- Nha, Il-seong. 2001. Silla's Cheomseongdae. Korea Journal 41(4), 269-281.
- Rufus, W. Carl. 1936. Astronomy in Korea Royal Asiatic Society, vol. 26: 1-56.
- Rufus, Will Carl. 1936. Korean astronomy. Seoul, Korea: The Literary Dept., Chosen Christian College. OCLC: 74111365
- Song, Sang-Yong. 1983. A brief history of the study of the Ch'ŏmsŏng-dae in Kyongju. Korea Journal 23(8), 16-21.
- Xu, Zhentao, David W. Pankenier, and Yaotiao Jiang. 2000. East Asian archaeoastronomy: historical records of astronomical observations of China, Japan and Korea. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Published on behalf of the Earth Space Institute by Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. ISBN: 9789056993023
External links
- Asian Historical Architecture page on Cheomseongdae Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- Korean National Heritige Online Retrieved April 20, 2007.
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