『魏志倭人伝』으로 본 『倭國』

“The Tales of Ancient Japan in Weesuh(魏書) Text”

This is a story about ancient Japan(倭國) located in the northern part of Kyushu(九州) consisting of around thirty small states with the leading state called Yama-il kuk(邪馬壹國). In the Third Century AD, Yama-il kuk had a population of about 300,000 inhabitants. It was considered one of the more powerful states at the time. In the late edition of the Chinese historical book, the Chinese character of Yama-il kuk was changed to Tae(臺ㆍ台)ㆍYama-tae-kuk(邪馬臺國). Most of Japanese society as well as its academic circles recognized Yama-tae kuk as the official name, ignoring the original name of Yama-il kuk. The Japanese believe that Yama-tae kuk is the same entity as Yamato Power(大和) which originated in the area of ancient Osaka. By this assertion, Yamato must have extended its powers to the northern region of Kyushu by the middle of the Third Century AD. However, this is not historical fact. This paper will reveal that Yama-il kuk was, in fact, in Kyushu in the middle of the Third Century AD. In 240 AD, the Weesuh Text shows that Yama-il kuk was warring against its neighbor rival state, Kuno kuk(拘奴國) which was located south of Kyushu. Weesuh(魏書) Text disclosed the important fact that the country is controlled by the strongman, Daesol(大率) and Daewae(大倭ㆍ倭國) managed the economical matters and taxation of the country. Daesol who was stationed in Ito State(伊都國) maintained the power by controlling ancient Japan’s security and social order. Weesuh Text states that the position of Daesol is the equivalent to the Jasa(刺史) of China(special envoy of the Emperor). Huhansuh Text(後漢書) records that in Mahan’s(馬韓) government organization there was an official rank of “Daesol”. From this, we can conclude that this “Daesol” was an official sent by the Mahan.