Libmonster ID: JP-1428

In modern research on the history of natural anomalies and catastrophes that occurred in the historical past in different regions of our planet, the duration of the observation period for these phenomena is important for identifying long-term trends in the frequency of such phenomena and for predicting their possible scale and negative consequences [Khudyakov, 1996, p. 42]. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, many unusual astronomical, atmospheric, climatic, tectonic and other anomalous phenomena and events occurred and were observed on the territory of the eastern part of the Asian continent. Some of them had negative and catastrophic consequences for the population and the natural environment of the regions where they occurred. The ideas of contemporaries about such events were reflected in the mythological, folklore, historical and archaeological sources of their time. Analysis of such materials clearly demonstrates that they contain valuable information about anomalous and catastrophic events of the past, which can be used to reconstruct the features and scale of events that occurred [Masse, 1998, p. 75-77; Pankenier, 1998, p. 187-194].

To determine the periodicity of catastrophic events that have a cyclical character, it is necessary to collect a priori information about such natural anomalies for a sufficiently long historical period that occurred in a certain geographical region, and include these materials in the database of natural anomalies and catastrophes [Borisenko and Khudyakov, 1997, p. 28]. This will make it possible to identify long-term trends in the frequency of such phenomena and predict their recurrence in the future, which makes it possible to assess their scale and negative consequences for the population and the environmental environment and take timely safety measures.

Very valuable and informative historical sources on this issue are Chinese and Korean chronicle works, on the pages of which for many centuries various anomalous natural phenomena and events were recorded, their descriptions were given with an indication of chronology, the scale and negative consequences for the population of the territories where they occurred were estimated. Detailed information about various unusual astronomical, atmospheric, climatic, tectonic and biological phenomena can be found in the annals of Korean scientists.

The work was carried out under the program of interdisciplinary integration research of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Project 2006/113.


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the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla states and the Khitan State (Kim Busik, 1995; Kim Busik, 2001; Ye Lun-li, 1979).

The chronicles mention various, rather rare or unusual astronomical phenomena, including solar eclipses or other events related to changes observed in or around the sun; the appearance and passage of comets in the visible part of the sky; the unusual arrangement of stars and planets in the sky; the fall of meteorites and meteor showers; the appearance of unusually large stars and planets in the sky. "stars" or other celestial bodies. These unusual cosmic phenomena and events attracted increased attention, because they did not correspond to traditional ideas about the universe and were perceived as omens of future great disasters.

Quite often, chronicles and chronicles recorded unusual atmospheric and weather phenomena, such as the appearance of clouds of unusual shape and color, or unusually thick fogs, because of which it was dark for several days; severe frosts; prolonged thaws, as a result of which there was no snow and ice; heavy snowfalls; winter thunderstorms; snowfall in the summer; precipitation of hail and frost; droughts; heavy downpours; mud showers; fish, plants, and insects falling together with the rain; floods; mountain collapses and landslides; strong winds and storms; typhoons; mass death of fish and marine animals in the seas or rivers; locust infestations; amphibian and rodent migrations. Chronicle sources noted the negative consequences of some natural anomalies for the inhabitants of the areas in which they occurred, including crop failures, famine, and epidemics that led to population decline [Khudyakov, 1997(1), pp. 306-309; Khudyakov, 1997(2), pp. 81-95; Borisenko, Khudyakov, 1998. pp. 214-218; Khudyakov and Borisenko, 1999, pp. 275-278; Khudyakov and Borisenko, 2001, pp. 67-86].

Earlier attempts to analyze and systematize data on natural anomalies and catastrophes in chronicles that record events that took place in the Khitan and Korean states of Goguryeo and Baekje during the late antiquity, early and developed Middle Ages have clearly demonstrated that the information contained in them can be used to identify certain patterns in their periodicity and solve problems multidimensional time series of different types [Khudyakov, Vedernikov, Lbov, Ponko, 2000, p. 26-31; Borisenko, Khudyakov, Lbov, Gerasimov, Berikov, 2002, p. 100-110].

This study systematizes the materials about natural anomalies and catastrophes contained in the annals of the Silla State, which existed on the territory of south-eastern Korea during the late antiquity and early Middle Ages. The observations reflected in these chronicles were conducted by the court scientists of the Sillan Vanes for a thousand years, from the first century BC to the X century AD. For all the time of observations, court scientists recorded 457 anomalous natural, including astronomical, phenomena and events, many of which had very negative consequences for the population of this region. countries.

Among the anomalous phenomena of the cosmic order, solar eclipses were often noted in the annals of Sill. In total, they were recorded 29 times during the observation period. At the same time, it was noted in one case that, according to the calculations of Sillan astronomers, "a solar eclipse should have occurred in 801, but it did not happen" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.247). Judging by this, Sillan astronomers were able not only to observe, but also to predict eclipses and even calculate the time of their occurrence, although such calculations were not always correct. During the millennial observation period, solar eclipses were recorded repeatedly, but not regularly. There were 6 eclipses in the first century BC, 3 eclipses in the first century AD, 8 eclipses in the second century AD, and only one eclipse was recorded in the third century AD. In the following centuries, from 202 to 786, for-

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no eclipses were recorded. Later, at the end of the eighth century, 3 eclipses were observed, in the ninth century - 8 eclipses, and at the beginning of the tenth century-one more eclipse. Such an irregularity in the number of recorded eclipses during different centuries and a large interval in their recording from the beginning of the third to the end of the eighth centuries may most likely indicate not that there were no eclipses during this period, but that their observation was not always given great importance. In addition to eclipses, Sillan astronomers observed and recorded other unusual phenomena around the sun. Twice in different years, it was noted that the sun was obscured by a rainbow, and three times it was surrounded by an unusual glow, or halo. According to the chronicle in 738, "a white rainbow [at that time] obscured the sun "(Kim Busik, 2001, p. 224). In 761, "a rainbow obscured the sun, which was surrounded by a halo" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 232). In 822, "the sun had a black reflection directed to the north and south" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 255). In 890, "the sun was surrounded by a five-fold ring" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 278). Two more times in the annals, the appearance of two and three luminaries was noted. In 766. "in spring, in the first month, two suns appeared simultaneously [in the sky]" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 234]. In 845, "on the 1st of the twelfth month, three suns appeared simultaneously" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 266]. These were probably unusual optical phenomena that caused the observers ' vision to be deceived.

Just as often as eclipses, during the observation period, an unusual arrangement of stars and planets in the sky was noted. In total, such events were celebrated 29 times. In the first century AD, similar phenomena were observed 2 times, in the second century-also 2 times, in the third century-1 time, in the fifth century-also once, in the seventh century-5 times, in the eighth century-10 times, in the ninth century-7 times, in the tenth century - 1 time. No sightings of this kind have been recorded for three centuries. Most often, such phenomena occurred due to wandering stars. For example, in AD 85, it is noted: "In the summer, in the fourth month, the wandering star entered the Purple Palace constellation "(Kim Busik, 2001, p. 83). Sometimes the reason for an unusual picture of the starry sky was the planet Venus, which could be visible during the day, "oppose" other planets, appear in the region of a particular constellation. In some cases, a similar position of the planet Mars was noted. The unusual location of Saturn was noted much less frequently (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 4). 77, 89, 95, 96, 121]. In this kind of observations, there is also a certain break, although not as long as in the recording of solar eclipses. From 206 to 483 AD. The Sill chronicles do not record any unusual arrangements of stars and planets. According to these records, Sillan astronomers knew the map of the starry sky well and noted cases of unusual arrangement of luminous objects on it.

Over a millennium of observations, comets have been observed 24 times. 3 comets were observed in the first century BC, 3 in the first century AD, 3 in the second century AD, 1 in the third century, 2 in the fifth century, 5 in the seventh century, 6 in the eighth century, and one each in the ninth and tenth centuries. Of these reports, one is questionable. According to the chronicler, in 672, "in the ninth month, seven comets appeared from the northern side" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 193). Probably, we are not talking about comets, but about meteorites. Usually in the annals it is said about the appearance of a comet in one or another part of the sky. For example, "in spring, in the third month, a comet appeared near the constellation Vanyan" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 72). Less frequently, indicate the direction of its movement, the time during which it was visible. In 79, "in the spring, in the second month, a comet first appeared on the eastern and then on the northern side and disappeared after twenty days" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.82). In 260, "in autumn, in the seventh month, a comet appeared in the east and disappeared after twenty-five days" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.101). In 759, "a comet appeared in the third month, but in the autumn it disappeared" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 232). In 770. "in the fifth month, on the 11th, a comet came out to the north of the constellation of the Five Chariots and disappeared by the 22nd of the sixth month" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 235). Sometimes the chronicles indicated approximate sizes

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the observed phenomenon. In 676, "in autumn, in the seventh month, a comet appeared between the [rivers] Pukhae and Cheoksu, about 67 cm long" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 197).

During the millennial observation period, 15 times over the territory of the Silla State were observed starfall, or meteor showers. This phenomenon was recorded once in the I, II, VI, and X centuries, 2 times in the VII century, 6 times in the VIII century, and 3 times in the IX century. In AD 14, starfall forced the retreat of the Nannans, residents of Han Prefecture in the north of the Korean Peninsula, who attacked the state of Silla. According to the chronicler, " shooting stars fell on the enemy camp at night, and the frightened Nannans retreated "[Kim Busik, p. 76]. In 104, "in the spring, in the first month, many stars fell like rain, but did not reach the ground" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.85). The next starfall was recorded 482 years later. In 586, "in the summer, in the fifth month, after thunderclaps, the stars began to fall like rain" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 138]. In 647, "in the eighth month, a comet appeared on the southern side [of the sky], and a mass of stars fell in the north" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 152). An even more unusual phenomenon was recorded in 684: "In winter, in the tenth month, [once] from evening until dawn, shooting stars [moved along and across the [sky]" [Kim Busik, 2001, p.205]. In 706, " in the third month, the mass of stars fell in the western part [of the sky]" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 211).

In some cases, shooting stars, according to observers, "threatened" the Purple Palace constellation, the" Big Star "from the Orina constellation, the" central Polar star " or the Moon [Kim Busik, 2001, p.213, 225, 233]. In 764, "in winter, in the twelfth month, on the 11th, there was a mass of shooting stars, large and small, and observers could not count them" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 233). In 801, "in autumn, in the ninth month, Mars entered the [phase of] the moon, and the stars fell like rain" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 247).

An unusual phenomenon was noted in 823. " In the summer, on the 12th of the fourth month, shooting stars, breaking away from the constellation of the Heavenly City, began to threaten (fall) The Emperor's Throne (Purple Palace), but then, after passing the northeastern part of the Sky City, Weaver (name of the star) and Wanyan constellation (Wanliang) and coming to the Kakto constellation (Gedao), they split into three groups. At the same time, there was a noise similar to the beating of a drum, but [soon] subsided" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 256]. In 905, "in spring, in the second month, the stars fell like rain" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 282).

The fall of single meteorites during the entire observation period was recorded 9 times. One such fall was recorded in the annals of Silla in the second century AD, another in the fifth century, 3 in the seventh century, and 4 falls in the eighth century. During other centuries, no meteorite falls were observed. The most accurate descriptions of these events with time and place are given in the Sillan chronicles.

In 120, " in the spring of the second month, a large star fell to the west of [the fortress] Volson and there was a [roar] like thunder" [Kim Busik, p. 87]. In 661, during the siege of the Sillan fortress of Pukhansan by Goguryeo troops, "a huge star suddenly fell on the enemy camp" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 164). In 673, " in the spring, in the first month, a large star (meteorite?) It fell between the Hwanyens Temple and the Host City (Jae-seong)" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 194). In 748, "in the spring, in the first month, a Celestial Dog (meteorite) fell to earth" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 227). In 767, "in the seventh month... Three stars fell on Wang's palace, and their collision with each other produced a light like scattered sparks of fire " (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 234). In 768, "in the sixth month... A huge star fell to the south of the Hwanyens Temple and an earthquake occurred with a noise like a thunderclap "[Kim Busik, p. 234]. Despite the significant scale of such events, one of which even provoked an earthquake, the chronicles do not mention much destruction and loss of life.

1 Measure of length, approximately 1.5 m.


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Twice in the entire history of observations, the appearance of unusually large stars or other luminous objects was noted. In 744, "in winter, a strange large star appeared in the middle of the sky, the size of a vessel, with a volume of up to five measures of du (grain measures), but after standing for ten days, it disappeared" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.226). In 815, "a large star that appeared between the constellations Ik (I) and Chin (Zhen) went to the star Kyon (Geng) - its reflection length was more than six choks2,wastwo choks" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 252).

In addition to unusual astronomical events, abnormal atmospheric and weather events, as well as significant climate fluctuations, were quite often noted in the Sill chronicles. Several times during the entire observation period, the appearance of clouds of unusual shape and color was noted. Such atmospheric phenomena were observed once or twice a year during the third, fifth, seventh, and eighth centuries. In 413, "in autumn, in the seventh month, a cloud similar in appearance to palaces and emitting a sharp aroma rose over [Mount] Ransan, and it did not disappear for a long time" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.114). In 478, "in the spring, in the second month, one night there was a crimson glow that stretched like an unfolded piece of silk from the earth to the sky" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.120).

Four times in the annals there were very heavy fogs. In 298, "in the spring, in the second month, there was a heavy fog in the capital, in which it was impossible to distinguish people, but after five days it disappeared" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 105]. In 444, a similar fog saved the population of Silla during an enemy invasion. "But suddenly it was so dark with fogs that nothing could be seen even at the distance of a step, so the enemies took this as a secret [sign and God's] help, gathered their army and retreated back [home] [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 117]. In 500 g. " in the summer, in the fourth month ... yellow fog filled the capital from all sides" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 123). This phenomenon was repeated in 780: "In the spring, in the first month, there was a yellow fog" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 237). In 681," the whole day of the 1st day of the first month was as dark as night " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 199]. However, in this case, the reason for this phenomenon was not related to fog.

Unusually cold winters were rare in southeastern Korea. During the entire observation period, unusually severe frosts were recorded only three times, and heavy snowfalls-10 times, once in 330 and 100 years, respectively. However, for the population of the Silla state, unaccustomed to severe frosts, such anomalies sometimes ended tragically. In 662, "On the 1st of the second month... On that day, many people and horses died from a blizzard and severe frosts" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 167]. In 671, "at that time, torrential rains rained for a whole month, and the wind and snow were so cold that people and horses died from frost" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 187]. In 801, "in winter, in the first month, there were severe cold weather, which killed all pine and bamboo trees" (Kim Busik, 2001, pp. 247-248). Heavy snowfall caused residents of south-east Korea less trouble. The negative consequences of heavy snowfall are mentioned only twice in the annals. In 733, " in the autumn, in the seventh month... At this time, heavy snow fell, more than a fathom deep (chan), and covered all mountain roads" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 219]. The heavy snowfall of 791 turned out to be more severe: "In winter, in the tenth month, snow fell in the capital city three chhok deep and there were people who died from the cold" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 244].

Winter thaws are much more frequent in the annals. In some years, this led to the fact that there was no snow, and the reservoirs were not covered with ice. Four times as a result of thaws, fruit trees, peaches and plums began to bloom prematurely. In total, 14 thaws are recorded in the annals of Silla. They've been happening enough

2 A measure of length equal to 0.32 m.


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regularly. There were two thaws in the first century A.D. One thaw each occurred in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries. In the VIII century there were 3 thaws. In the 9th century, there were 4 of them. In 102, "In winter, in the tenth month, peaches and plums bloomed" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 85). This phenomenon was repeated in 203. It coincided in time with an external attack and an epidemic, although it is unlikely that such events could be interconnected [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 96]. In 540, "in winter, in the tenth month... peaches and plums bloomed" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 131]. In 863, "in winter, in the tenth month, peaches and plums bloomed" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 270). Another 12 times recorded winter thunderstorms.

Climate anomalies related to the warm season, from spring to autumn, in such an agricultural country as the Silla state, brought its inhabitants much more negative consequences than the relatively rare severe winter cold and snowfall. Frosts, hail and frost at this time of year often led to crop failures and subsequent famine. As a particularly rare weather anomaly for the territory of the south-east of Korea, snowfall in the summer of 815 can be noted. According to the chronicler, "in the summer, in the fifth month, snow fell" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 252]. Hail was recorded 21 times during the observation period. This happened 4 times in the II century A.D., 3 times in the III century, 1 time in the IV century, 4 times in the V century, 1 time in the VII century, 7 times in the VIII century, 1 time in the X century. For other centuries, no hail was recorded. In 100, "in autumn, in the seventh month, it rained with hail, which killed flying birds" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 84]. In 114, "in the spring, in the third month, hail damaged the barley seedlings" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 86]. In 170, "frost and hail damaged the bread" [Kim Busik, p. 93]. The same event occurred in 205, 272, 431, 454, and 222. "In summer, in the fourth month, hail hit [the crops of] beans and barley" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 97]. In 634, "in the third month, hail as big as a chestnut tree fell" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 146]. In 720, "rain and hail thinned rice seedlings" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 215). In 745, "in the summer, in the fourth month, hail the size of chickens fell in the capital" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 227]. In 754, "in the summer, in the fourth month, hail the size of a hen's egg fell in the capital" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 228]. In 768, "in the sixth month, a thunderstorm broke out in the capital and hail fell, which smashed plants and trees" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.234). In 786, "in the summer, in the fourth month, mulberry trees and barley suffered from rain and hail in the eastern part of the country" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.241).

Among the climatic anomalies, droughts had the most severe negative consequences for the population of south-east Korea. During the observation period, they were recorded much more often than any other natural deviations. In just one thousand years of the chronicle, they were celebrated 63 times. It can be argued that it was the droughts that were the real disaster for the inhabitants of the Silla State. Droughts occurred 3 times in the first century A.D., 6 times in the second century A.D., 8 times in the third century A.D., 7 times in the fourth century A.D., 6 times in the fifth century A.D., 3 times in the sixth century A.D., 4 times in the seventh century A.D., 15 times-in the VIII century A.D., 8 times-in the IX century A.D., 2 times - in the X century A.D. In some periods, droughts occurred for two or three consecutive years. So it was in 313 and 314, in 714-716, in 769 and 770.

One of the most difficult periods in the history of the Silla state was the last thirty years of the eighth century, when a total of 9 droughts occurred at short time intervals. Often droughts were accompanied by locust infestations, which led to crop destruction and famine among the population. Hungry residents tried to get their food by plundering. The authorities of the Silla state tried to provide assistance to their taxable population. They supplied him with bread from state warehouses. Due to the high mortality rate of the population, the rulers declared amnesties and released prisoners from prisons.

In 18 AD, "there was a drought in the capital. In autumn, in the seventh month, locusts appeared. People were starving, so warehouses were opened to provide assistance" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 76]. In 75, "there was a severe drought, and the people were starving, so the skla was opened-

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for rendering assistance" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 82]. In 145, " there was a drought in spring and summer, especially severe in the southern regions. The people were starving, so grain was transported [there] to provide assistance" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 90]. In 201, "[there was] a severe drought, [Wang] pardoned prisoners in central and local prisons" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 96]. In 259, " in the autumn, in the seventh month, there was a drought and locusts. The year was poor, there were a lot of thieves" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 101]. In 313," in the autumn, in the seventh month, [due to] drought and locusts, the people were starving, so messengers [of Wang] were sent to save [the people] and provide assistance " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 106]. In 314," in the second month, reconstruction of the palace was undertaken, but due to a drought, [work] was suspended " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 107]. In 397, " In autumn, in the seventh month, [district] In Khasilla, in the northern part of the country, drought and locusts [struck], the year was poor, the people were starving, so [wang] carried out a partial amnesty (i.e. in this area) for prisoners in prison, released [the population] for one year from land and household taxation " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 112]. In 492. "in the spring and summer [there was a drought, so Wang, blaming himself, refused the usual [luxury] food" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 122].

According to the views of subjects, certain natural disasters occurred as a result of the unrighteous behavior of people, and especially the rulers of the state. This is why other Silla rulers behaved similarly during the droughts of 585 and 832. Sometimes the Vans organized collective prayers or resorted to the help of Buddhist monks and hermits to influence the unfavorable weather.

Locust infestations are recorded 22 times in the annals. As a rule, they were associated with droughts. In the I and IX centuries AD, there were 2 locust invasions each, in the II, III and V centuries there were 3 each, in the IV and VIII centuries-4 each, and in the X century there was one locust invasion. As a measure to counter this disaster, the authorities made sacrifices to the spirits of mountains and rivers. In 109 AD, " in the autumn of the seventh month, locusts damaged the crops, so Wang made offerings everywhere to the [spirits of] mountains and rivers to beg for their [location]. After that, the locusts died out, and the year was fruitful" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 85]. However, the invasions of voracious insects did not always end so well. In 122, "in the autumn, in the seventh month, locusts came and ate bread, so the people were starving, there were many thieves" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 87]. In 399, "in autumn, in the seventh month, flying locusts were everywhere [raging]" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 112).

Drought and locusts were followed by famine. During the observation period, it was recorded 33 times. Once a famine was recorded in the state of We, from which a part of the population fled to Silla. The authorities tried as best they could to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and famine on the tax-paying population. In addition to prayers and sacrifices, restrictions on food by Wang, real effective measures were also taken, including stopping labor-intensive construction work, exempting the population from taxes, and distributing food to the hungry from state warehouses. To make up for the population decline, the rulers declared amnesties for prisoners. Everyone was released, except for those who were sentenced to death. However, these measures did not always lead to immediate positive results. In 420, "... people were starving, some were selling their children" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 115]. In 628, "in the autumn and winter, people were starving, and some sold their children" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 143). In 707, "in the spring, in the first month, many people were dying of hunger, [so] it was decided to give [everyone] millet for three sons 3 on the day until the seventh month" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 211].

Unlike numerous droughts, heavy downpours were recorded only 11 times during the observation period, although sometimes they also led to catastrophic consequences.-

3 A measure of volume equal to 1.8 liters.


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public benefits. In addition to the usual ones, mud showers rained over south-east Korea 6 times. Once fish fell from the sky with the rain, once yellow flower petals fell, and once insects fell. Probably, such rains were the result of tornadoes. Heavy downpours were recorded once or twice during the I-V centuries, in the VII century, and in the VIII century. Mud showers occurred once each during the first, fourth, seventh, and ninth centuries. Twice such an event occurred in the VIII century. Rain with fish was in the IV century, with flowers - in the VII century, with insects - in the IX century. Serious consequences from heavy rains were noted in several cases. In 116, the ruler of Silla with an army began a war against the state of Kai in the south of the Korean peninsula: "But [people] The Kaya stubbornly defended themselves in their fortresses [and] then it rained, so they had to return" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 87]. In 131, "In the summer, in the fifth month, a heavy rain [flood] took away or flooded the houses of the population" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 88]. In 160, "in the summer, in the fourth month, the Alchon River overflowed its banks from a heavy rainstorm and carried away the houses of residents" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 92]. In 212. "in the summer, in the fifth month, heavy rain flooded and destroyed the homes of the population "[Kim Busik, 2001, p. 97]. Sometimes heavy downpours led to mountain collapses and landslides. In 350, "in the summer, in the fourth month, heavy rain poured for a decade, and on the plains, water that rose 3-4 chhok flooded and carried away state buildings and private houses" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 108]. Mud rains, the loss of fish, flowers and insects, for all their unusual nature, did not have such negative consequences for the population.

Quite often, floods were recorded in the annals. Some of them were caused by heavy rains. In other cases, the causes of floods are not named. Probably, it was also atmospheric precipitation. In total, over the years of observation, floods occurred 26 times. In one year, there were two floods at once. In the first and sixth centuries A.D. there was one flood each, in the second century - 6 floods, in the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth centuries - two floods each, in the fifth century - 7 floods, of which 2 were in 483, and in the ninth century - 4 floods. The consequences of the floods were different. In 2001," in the summer, in the sixth month, there was a big flood " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 78]. In 2001, due to a large flood, no damage was recorded, but it is likely that crops were destroyed and the people were starving [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 85]. In 114, after a great flood, the cases of prisoners were reviewed and all but those who had been sentenced to death were released. Many people probably died as a result of this flood.

In 198, "in the fifth month, a severe flood occurred in the west of the country, so the affected regions and counties were exempted for a year from the land and farmstead tax" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 95]. In 290, "in the summer, in the fourth month, a major flood occurred, and the [fortress walls] of Volson collapsed due to dilapidation" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.104). In 438, "in the summer, in the fourth month, in the Udu district, suddenly surging mountain waters flooded and carried away more than fifty houses" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 116). The destruction of houses due to flooding was also noted in 469 and 496. In 483, " in the summer, in the fourth month, there was a severe flood. There was also a big flood in autumn, in the seventh month" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 121). One of the largest floods occurred in 589. "In autumn, in the seventh month, a severe flood occurred in the west of the country, as a result of which 30,360 houses were flooded or destroyed and more than 200 people died" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.139). An even larger flood in terms of the number of victims occurred in 657. "In the fall, in the seventh month, [there was] a large flood in Ilseong County and more than three hundred people drowned" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 158]. The flood of 698., the chronicler estimated as "huge", but without any specific data on victims and destruction. In 703, "a great flood occurred in the capital. Many people drowned and died" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 210).

Mountain collapses and landslides were recorded in the annals of Silla 7 times. In most cases, they were caused by heavy rains. They happened one at a time-

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mu-twice in five centuries. One of the biggest events occurred in 260, when heavy rains caused "mountains to collapse in more than forty places" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 101).

Strong winds and storms were a serious potential threat to the population of Silla State. They are recorded in the annals 21 times. They occurred three times in the first, second, fifth, and seventh centuries A.D., once each in the fourth and sixth centuries A.D., and twice in the eighth century A.D. As a result of these storms, the wind uprooted trees, demolished tiles from the roofs of houses. In 80, as a result of a strong wind, the gates of the Kumsong Fortress collapsed [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 82]. In 674, "a storm destroyed the Buddha pavilion in the Hwanyens Temple" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 195). In 716, a storm "destroyed Sungjeong Palace" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 213).

One of the most frequent manifestations of the disaster in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula was an earthquake. This area belongs to the seismically active zone. A total of 43 earthquakes were recorded during the observation period. Two earthquakes occurred twice in one year. Once the earthquake was triggered by the fall of a meteorite. There were two earthquakes in the first, third, fifth, and sixth centuries AD, and three in the second. In the IV century, two earthquakes occurred within two years, in the VII century - 8 earthquakes, in the VIII century-12 earthquakes, in the IX century-6 earthquakes, in the X century-4 earthquakes. In most cases, the chroniclers simply recorded the fact of the earthquake itself, without noting any catastrophic consequences. However, there were also devastating aftershocks. In 100 AD," in winter, in the tenth month, an earthquake occurred in the capital, from which the houses of residents collapsed and people were killed " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 84]. In 304, " in the autumn, in the eighth month, an earthquake occurred and the keys were clogged. In the ninth month, during an earthquake in the capital, houses of residents were destroyed and people were killed" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 106]. The earthquake of 510 was equally disastrous. when "people's homes were destroyed, there were also people killed" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 127). There was also damage during the 664 earthquake. During the earthquake of 742, which occurred in the north-east of the country, "sounds like thunder were heard" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 225). The same event was recorded in 916. "In winter, in the tenth month, an earthquake occurred with a noise like thunderclaps" [Kim Busik, 2001, 284].

Other natural disasters were rarely recorded. Although the state of Silla had a considerable length of sea coast washed by the waters of the Sea of Japan, anomalies of the water element were noted only a few times in a thousand years. Typhoons were recorded twice and tsunamis were probably recorded twice. In 122, the typhoon reached the Sillan capital. Its gusts "caused trees to break and tiles to fly" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 87). In 438, a typhoon with rain and hail again hit the Van capital. In 699," in the ninth month, a water battle broke out in the Eastern Sea, and the sounds of it were heard in the capital " (Kim Busik, 2001, p.209). In 915, "in the summer, in the fourth month, the waters of Cham Pho collided with the waters of the Eastern Sea and formed waves more than twenty chans high, 4 but after three days [everything] stopped" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 284].

In some cases, observers noted a change in the color of water in inland reservoirs and the sea, as well as the death of ichthyofauna and marine animals. In 639, "in autumn, in the seventh month, the water in the Eastern Sea turned red and boiled, and fish and turtles died" (Kim Busik, 2001, p. 147). In 659, a huge dead fish was caught in the Kigun River, after which people died. In 699, the water in the Eastern Sea turned a "bloody color", but after five days its normal appearance was restored.

In addition to insect migrations, amphibians and rodents moved twice. In 636, the palace pond was invaded by " a crowd of frogs in ogrom-

4 Chinese fathom - a measure of length equal to 3.2 m.


page 13

including " [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 146]. In 769, "in the winter of the eleventh month, more than eight thousand mice left Ch'iak County for Pyongyang" (Kim Busik, 2001, p.235).

The population of Silla State suffered from periodic epidemics. During the observation period, they were recorded 17 times. In the first, third, fourth, and seventh centuries. there was 1 epidemic, in II and VIII-3, in V - 2, in IX - 5 epidemics. During these epidemics, many people died, which led to a reduction in the population. Usually, the Sill chronicles state the fact of the epidemic itself, without indicating the number of deaths. In rare cases, it is noted that there were many deaths from diseases. In 22 AD, "there was a great epidemic, and many people died" [Kim Busik. 2001, p. 76]. In 833, "many people died from infectious diseases" [Kim Busik, 2001, p. 259]. The authorities tried to influence the current unfavorable situation through prayers and sacrifices. The traditional measure for Silla rulers to compensate for the loss of the working-age population through amnesties and the release of prisoners was not applied in these cases.

Judging by the information contained in the Silla chronicles, the frequency and frequency of anomalous natural phenomena, including those that had catastrophic consequences for the population of this state, were not uniform during the millennial observation period. In the history of abnormal natural phenomena that occurred on the territory of the Silla State, there were relatively calm periods when unusual natural phenomena were observed quite rarely. The eighth century stands out as particularly unfavorable in the history of natural anomalies and catastrophes for the inhabitants of the Silla state. During this century, abnormal natural phenomena in the territory of south-east Korea occurred about a hundred times, much more often than in other centuries. During this time, three solar eclipses were observed, twice the sun was obscured by a white rainbow, 10 times an unusual arrangement of stars and planets was observed, 6 times comets appeared, the same number of times meteor showers occurred, 4 times the fall of large single meteorites was recorded, one of which caused an earthquake, twice there were heavy snowfalls, three times there were thaws, 7 times during this century, large hail fell, which damaged crops and fruit trees, 15 times there were droughts. It was during this century that droughts occurred for two and three consecutive years, and the last 30 years occurred regularly at short intervals. Four times the crop was damaged by locusts. This led to famine among the population seven times. Three times the inhabitants of Silla State suffered from epidemics. The country was flooded twice, and earthquakes occurred 12 times on its territory. Probably, the results of these observations should be compared with data on natural anomalies observed in neighboring territories in order to determine whether such an increase in the intensity of anomalous and catastrophic events is natural.

In general, the Silla chronicles contain a large number of very diverse information about unusual cosmic and atmospheric phenomena, climate and other natural anomalies that occurred on the territory of the country during the 1st millennium AD. This information can be an important source for identifying certain long-term trends and patterns in the frequency and frequency of such events.

list of literature

Borisenko, A., Khudyakov Y. S. prospects for the creation of a database on terrestrial catastrophes cosmic origins (the historical and archaeological materials) // Humanities of the study: the results of the last years. Novosibirsk, 1997.

Borisenko A. Yu., Khudyakov Yu. S. Information on anomalous natural phenomena observed on the territory of South-western Korea in antiquity and the early Middle Ages (based on the materials of the chronicles of the state

page 14

Problemy arkheologii, etnografii, antropologii Sibiri i sopredel'nykh territorii [Problems of Archeology, Ethnography, and Anthropology of Siberia and Adjacent Territories]. Novosibirsk, 1998.

Borisenko A. Yu., Khudyakov Yu. S., Lbov G. S., Gerasimov M. K., Berikov V. B. Mathematical identification of internal cause-and-effect relationships of natural anomalies and catastrophes. 2002. N 1.

Ye Lun-li. History of the Kimdan State (Qidang guo Zhi), Moscow, 1979.

Kim Busik. Samguk sagi. Annals of Silla, Vol. 1, Moscow, 2001.

Kim Busik. Samguk sagi. The Annals of Goguryeo. The Annals of Baekje. Chronological tables, vol. 2, Moscow, 1995.

Khudyakov Yu. S. Prospects for developing a methodology for retrospective analysis of data on terrestrial catastrophes of cosmic origin // Space protection of the Earth / Theses. Snezhinsk, 1996.

Khudyakov Yu. S. Opyt razrabotki dannykh dannykh o zemnykh katastrokhakh kosmicheskogo proiskhozhdeniya (po materialam letopisey gosudarstva Kogure) [Experience in developing a database on terrestrial catastrophes of cosmic origin (based on the Chronicles of the Goguryeo State)]. Materials of the V Annual Final Session of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography SB RAS. Novosibirsk, 1997 (1).

Khudyakov Yu. S. Opyt sozdaniya bazaza dannykh po prirodnykh anomaliyam na territorii Severnoi Korei (po materialam letopisii Goguryeo) [Experience of creating a database on natural anomalies in North Korea (based on the Goguryeo Chronicles)]. Issue 6. Moscow, 1997(2).

Khudyakov Yu. S., Borisenko A. Yu. Materials for creating a database on terrestrial catastrophes of cosmic origin from the annals of the Baekje state / / Electronic libraries and databases on the history of Eurasia in the Middle Ages. Issue 7. Moscow, 1999.

Khudyakov Yu. S., Borisenko A. Yu. Materials for creating a database of natural anomalies on the territory of the Dai Liao state from the medieval source "Qidan Guo Zhi" / / Electronic libraries and databases on the history of Eurasia in the Middle Ages. Issue 9. Moscow, 2001.

Khudyakov Yu. S., Vedernikov Yu. A., Lbov G. S., Ponko V. A. Opyt razrabotki dannykh dannykh o zemnykh katastrokhakh kosmicheskogo proiskhozhdeniya [Experience in developing a database on terrestrial catastrophes of cosmic origin]. Problems of land protection. 2000. N 1.

Masse W. B. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: The Archaeology of Bronze Age Cosmic Catastrophes // Natural Catastrophes During Bronze Age Civilisations: Archaeological, Geological, Astronomical and Cultural Perspectives. British Arcaeological Reports International Series 728. Oxford, 1998.

Pankenier D. W. Heaven-Sent: Understanding Cosmic Diasaster in Chinese Myth and History // Natural Catastrophes During Bronze Age Civilisations: Arcaeological, Geological, Astronomical and Cultural Perspectives. British Arcaeological Reports International Series 728. Oxford, 1998.


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