Reign
Queen Jindeok (r.647-654) ascended the throne and became the Silla's second Queen regnant after Queen Seondeok. The last monarch from the ranks of the Seonggol, the highest class in the Silla's unique caste system, her real name is Seungman. Her father was Kim Gukbangalmun, who was King Jinpyeong's younger brother, and her mother was Lady Wolmyeong. During her seven-year reign Queen Jindeok's primary concern was foreign policy. With the help of general Kim Yushin she was able to strengthen Silla's defenses and greatly improve her kingdom's relations with T'ang China. Those efforts laid the foundation for the unification of the three kingdoms (Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo).
She also expanded the Pumju tax-collecting system.
Her tomb is located on the hill in Gyeongju city. Although some historians have doubt that if it is really the tomb of Queen Jindeok. According to the Samguk Sagi she was buried at Saryangbu, which is located in the opposite direction from the tomb.
Read more about this topic: Jindeok Of Silla
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