Ki castle
Ki Castle | |
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鬼ノ城 | |
Sōja, Okayama, Japan | |
![]() The Nishimon (Western Gate) of Kinojō, and surrounding area, restored in 2004. | |
Coordinates | 34°43′35.53″N 133°45′46.49″E / 34.7265361°N 133.7629139°E |
Type | Korean-style fortresses in Japan (朝鮮式山城, Chōsen-shiki yamajiro) |
Site information | |
Condition | Active archaeological site, some buildings reconstructed |
Site history | |
Built | c.7th century |
Built by | Yamato court |
In use | Asuka - Nara period |
Materials | wood, earthworks, stone |
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Ki castle (鬼ノ城, Ki no jō) was an ancient
Legend
The castle's name literally means "demon castle" (ki is another reading for the character for
History
After the defeat of the combined
Ki Castle is not mentioned in any historical documents, and the year of its construction is unknown, but archaeological excavations show that it was built in the latter half of the 7th century. The caste is situated at the southern end of the Kibi plateau and encompasses the summit of a mountain near the center of ancient Kibi Province. A wall made of stone and earthen ramparts with four gates, corner towers and six water gates, stretches for 2.8 kilometers. The area inside the wall is about 30 hectares. The discovery of paving stones to protect the castle walls was the first of its kind in Japan. Within the castle, the foundation stones for seven buildings, one raised pillar building, a reservoir and well, twelve forges and blacksmith workshop remains have been confirmed. While many of the contemporary kōgoishi fortifications appear to have been left unfinished, Ki Castle is equipped with most of the facilities necessary for a mountain castle, indicating its importance.[4]
The location of the castle overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, which was the main sea route for international exchange and trade and was therefore also the main route for an invader. Yashima Castle in Kiyama Castle, contemporary fortifications on the island of Shikoku are within the field of view of Ki Castle.
Rammed earthworks measuring 7 meters wide and 6–7 meters high account for more than 80% of the castle walls. However, 1.5 meter wide paving stones are laid on the inside and outside of the bottom of the castle wall, giving it a strong atmosphere. The two overhangs on the front of the defenses are built with stone walls. Water gates to prevent the walls from collapsing due to running water are concentrated on the defensive front. There are four
There were four castle gates: the east, south, and west gates on the front of the defenses, and the north gate on the back of the defenses. The main entrance is the west gate, and it was protected by a corner tower. There is also a rammed-earth mound measuring about 300 meters in length, about 3 meters in height, and about 21 meters in width at the base located in the rural area where the low hills at the southern foot of Ki Castle protrude from the north and south. It is also believed to have been the site of a secondary fortification intended to protect the approach road to the castle.
From the bottom of the wall many wooden products were unearthed, as well as
In 1978, the first full-scale archaeological survey of the remains was undertaken. From the findings of this examination and excavated artifacts, it is believed that the castle was constructed in the Asuka period and was in operation for only a short time, from around the fourth quarter of the 7th century to the beginning of the 8th century, although it is also possible that the castle was built as early as 667 AD. Ki Castle was listed as one of
Gallery
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West Gate (outside the castle)
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West Gate (inside the castle)
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Corner tower (outside the castle)
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North gate (outside the castle)
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Ishigaki style
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Second water gate
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A view from the castle
See also
References
- ^ "鬼城山". Cultural Heritage Online (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ "Okayama History". Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
- ISBN 9781846032530. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
- ^ ISBN 4311750404.(in Japanese)
- ^ Japan Castle Foundation
Literature
- De Lange, William (2021). An Encyclopedia of Japanese Castles. Groningen: Toyo Press. pp. 600 pages. ISBN 978-9492722300.
- Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. pp. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.
External links
Media related to Kinojo at Wikimedia Commons
- Sōja City official home page(in Japanese)
- Sōja City tourist information home page(in Japanese)
- Okayama Prefectural Ancient Kibi Cultural Properties Center(in Japanese)