Who Are the Lesser-Known Figures in History?

 

History is Written on the Basis of Great Achievements

Ancient history could not record every event, so it primarily focused on significant events or key figures. The history we learn today is also structured around major events and individuals. As a result, large accomplishments sometimes overshadow relatively smaller ones. Let's take a look at some individuals who were overshadowed by their great ancestors but were still remarkable in their own right.

Goguryeo's Greatest Territory (Source: MBC Great Heritage )

King Munja of Goguryeo, Who Reigned During the Kingdom's Peak

Goguryeo was one of Korea's ancient kingdoms, holding vast northern territories, surpassed only by Gojoseon and Balhae. Sandwiched between the achievements of his father and son, Yongzheng Emperor is often viewed as having left a smaller legacy. Goguryeo developed around the Yalu River. Although the nation was at times shaken by foreign invasions, it reached its zenith under King Gwanggaeto the Great, known as the conqueror, and his son King Jangsu. This is the history we learn in school. While King Jangsu is known as the ruler who governed Goguryeo at its greatest territorial extent, it was actually King Munja, Jangsu's grandson, who ruled over the largest territory in Goguryeo's history. Munja successfully governed the lands conquered by his ancestors, subjugated Buyeo in the north, and expanded Goguryeo's territory further south. However, compared to the extraordinary achievements of his predecessors, he left fewer prominent records and remains relatively unknown.

 

(Left) Kangxi Emperor (Center) His Son Yongzheng Emperor (Right) His Grandson Qianlong Emperor (Source: National Palace Museum of China)

Yongzheng Emperor, Who Laid the Foundation for the Qing Dynasty's Golden Age

Kangxi Emperor was the 4th emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty, established by the Manchu, succeeded the Ming Dynasty, which had been founded by the Han Chinese. In the early years of the Qing, the Manchu faced instability in governing the Han population, leading to internal rebellions. Ascending the throne at a young age, Kangxi Emperor quelled the Revolt of the Three Feudatories and solidified the Qing's foundation. He believed his grandson Qianlong would be the ideal successor. Under Qianlong's reign, the Qing Dynasty entered its golden age, becoming the most powerful nation of the time. Sandwiched between the achievements of his father and son, Yongzheng Emperor is often viewed as having left a smaller legacy. However, upon closer examination, Yongzheng completed many of the tasks initiated by his father, strengthened the imperial authority, and established systems that allowed his son Qianlong to rule with ease. Though Yongzheng is not as well known in history, without him, the Qing Dynasty would not have experienced the prosperous era known as the "Kang-Qian Golden Age".

 

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, known as one of China's greatest rulers, once said that defending a kingdom is harder than building one. Although rulers who managed their kingdoms well might not have left as striking achievements, it was their efforts that allowed the accomplishments of both their predecessors and successors to shine even brighter.

 

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