The cultural heritage of Iksan possesses the structural characteristics of an ancient capital, with well-preserved palace grounds, Buddhist temples, the foundations of the royal city, substantially intact royal tombs, and a road network laid out in a grid pattern resembling the shape of the Chinese character “井”, all indicative of a capital city layout. Excavations at the royal palace site have unearthed roof tiles inscribed with the term of “首府(capital)”, while historical records refer to Iksan as the former capital, with both literature and archaeology supporting the notion of Iksan as an ancient capital. The capital Iksan exhibits features typical of East Asian capitals while also reflecting characteristics unique to Baekje's capitals. Under pressure from internal and external forces, Baekje kings may have adopted a “multi- capital system” to adapt and ensure survival. Sabi, Ungjin, and Iksan seem to have all served as capital cities during the reign of King Mu of Baekje. Archaeological findings, historical records, landmarks, and cultural relics collectively confirm the historical reality of Iksan as a capital city, fitting into the historical context of Baekje and conforming to the ancient capital typology of East Asia. Iksan's status as a capital city is substantiated, though the relevant evidence is fragmentary and lacks completeness and systemization. Only through comprehensive research utilizing the method of “bold hypothesis, careful verification” can we possibly confirm and elucidate the appearance and essence of its capital city.
Niu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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