After 104 years, Silla's crowns reunite in blaze of gold in Gyeongju

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — Prepare to be dazzled as you step into the dimly lit gallery of the Gyeongju National Museum. At once, a tide of shimmering gold will wash over you. For the first time in 104 years, all six gold crowns of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.E.-935 C.E.) reunite in a historic homecoming in Gyeongju, cradle of the ancient dynasty and birthplace of the regalia themselves. Since their excavation from royal tombs over the 20th century, these 1,500-year-old relics have ended up scattered among museums across Korea. “Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige” at the Gyeongju National Museum marks their first full gathering, staged to commemorate the city’s hosting of the APEC summit. From the crown of Geumgwanchong, the first to be revealed to the world in 1921, to those of Hwangnamdaechong, Seobongchong, Cheonmachong, Geumnyeongchong and Gyo-dong, each gleams beneath the light, regally suspended in time. Accompanying them are gold belts, earrings, bracelets and rings unearthed from the same royal graves. Together, the 20 radiant artifacts — 14 of them state-deWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times