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Organization of Hansanju Province(漢山州)'s defense system and the status of Juzhangseong Fortress(晝長城) during the Silla-Tang War

Kwon Chang Hyuk 1

1고려대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Completed in 672, Juzhangseong Fortress(晝長城, currently Namhansanseong Fortress) was the largest logistics support base in Hansanju Province(漢山州), and was a base capable of even long-term sit-in warfare in times of emergency. Considering factors such as its unprecedented size, location, and advanced fortification technology, these fortress appear to have been built with the intention of supplementing the limitations of the existing defense-in-depth system in the Han River basin. Ultimately, this served the function of strengthening the link between Gukwonseong Fortress(國原城/國原小京, currently Chungju) and the provincial capital of Hansanju(漢山州) through the waterway transportation of the Namhangang River(南漢江) and allowed for the smooth distribution of manpower and materials from the capital of Silla(王京) and the southern region of the realm. This Juzhangseong Fortress(晝長城) was originally planned to support Silla's strategic movements during the historical period in which the conflict between Silla and Tang Empire over post-war handling had intensified since 668, while Silla was pursuing a more active northward expansion strategy targeting the territory and residents of the old Goguryeo kingdom. But it was completed in a somewhat hasty manner as part of a war of attrition strategy that centered on castle defense that was adopted immediately following the defeat at the Battle of Seokmun Field(石門 戰鬪) in August 672. However, since its completion, this Fortress, based on its special size and location, contributed to maintaining and strengthening the strong defense-in-depth system within Hansanju Province through providing logistical support such as with regard to accommodation, concentration and supply of manpower and materials, as well as preparation for long-term sit-in warfare in case of emergency. In addition, it is possible to assume that legions such as Julmaldang(節末幢), as a specialized military organization to carry out these logistical missions, were active in places such as Juzhangseong Fortress(晝長城). In conclusion, starting in late 673, when the nationwide defense system was completed through new construction, expansion, or remodeling of various castles, such as Juzhangseong Fortress(晝長城) and Gukwonseong Fortress(國原城), the Silla army gained a relative advantage over the Tang army in terms of factors such as logistics. Conversely, the Tang army was forced to undertake burdensome long-distance expeditions, making it difficult for it to demonstrate its combat capabilities properly. Furthermore, as this was a factor directly related to improving the overall morale of the soldiers and maintaining their fighting power, it can be understood that it was ultimately one of the important driving forces that led to the Silla-Tang War ending with Silla's victory.

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