5~6세기 신라 고분의 매장주체부 위치에 따른 봉토 구조와 변화 – 낙동강과 금호강의 중·하류 유역을 중심으로 –

Abstract

This study examined the earthen mounds of Silla tombs of the fifth and sixth century, which were distributed along the middle and lower reaches of the Nakdong River and Geumho River. These burial mounds were divided into three types – above ground, semi-subterranean, and subterranean – according to the location of the main burial chamber in relation to the old ground level. It was revealed that the basic earth filling layer and construction method differed accordingly. Based on these findings, this study identified four phases in terms of earthen mound structure and examined the changing nature of the structures through the analysis of work units and construction methods. The first phase dates to before the first quarter of the fifth century, when the previous burial traditions of the elite were maintained or passed down, and the basic earth filling layer acted to prevent the massive loss and collapse of the second earth filling. The second phase dates to the second and third quarter of the fifth century, when the subterranean type main burial chamber gave way to the semi-subterranean type,and the size of the tombs gradually became smaller. As the basic earth filling layer was piled on top of the stone cist foundation earth, a flat surface was formed which prevented the loss of the second earth filling. Depending on the region, this type of burial mound continued into the third phase. The third phase dates to the last quarter of the fifth century and the first quarter of the sixth century. The main burial chamber changed from the semi-subterranean type to the above ground type. Depending on the region, the basic earth filling layer of the first earth filling disappeared in the case of the horizontal entrance stone chamber tombs. The size of the mounds became smaller and the structure and size of main burial chamber changed drastically. Various types and local styles are visible, indicating a transition to the C-4 type horizontal corridor-style stone chamber tomb. The fourth phase dates to after the second quarter of the sixth century. As tombs came to be located on flat ground, the above ground type main burial chamber became common and the tomb size became even smaller so that the basic earth filling layer of the first earth filling disappeared. Also, instead of the basic earth filling layer, multiple guarding stones were used to support and protect the tomb. In the first and the second phase, regional characteristics in earthen burial mound construction came to be established through mutual exchanges between regional groups which resulted in the selective adoption of certain features. In the third and fourth phase, in the sixth century, these regional characteristics disappeared as the governing power of Silla's central government became stronger. Hence, tombs changed in form from the wooden chamber tombs with stone mounds and stone lined tombs of the capital and local areas into the stone chamber tombs. Since this change reflected changes in burial practices on a state level, changes took place as well in terms of construction method, funerary rituals and grave goods.