ABSTRACT
Two Korean powers emerged, Paekche and Koguryo, which for more than 200 years engaged in constant warfare. As Puyo in the far north had entered into a state of decline, and the tribal states in the south-east did not develop into true kingdoms until much later, the field of battle was divided initially between these two states. Although Koguryo entered the fourth century as the dominant power, she was defeated in several wars with Paekche, the last of which in 371 resulted in the sacking of P'yongyang and the death of her king. At this point Koguryo entered into an alliance with the barbarian empire of Former Chin (351-94) in northern China, whilst Paekche allied itself with Eastern Chin (317-420) in southern China and developed trading relations with Japan.
