The Transition of Central Settlements from the Proto-Three Kingdoms to the Three Kingdoms Era in the Central Plains Region and Its Impact on Local Communities

This paper is written with the aim of classifying the settlements in the Chungju area of the Central Plains region, utilizing the recently introduced Social Network Analysis (SNA) in Korean archaeology, and examining the transitions of settlements and regional characteristics during the transition from the Proto-Three Kingdoms to the Three Kingdoms Era. Settlements in the Chungju area have the disadvantage of being numerically smaller than those in Cheongju. Therefore, the periodization is based on the expansion periods of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla: Phase I (before the mid-4th century), PhaseⅡ(from the mid-4th century to the late 6th century), and PhaseⅢ(after the mid-6th century). During Phase I, Geumneung-dong functioned as the central settlement with Tangeumdae-Fortress and Chilgeum-dong playing significant roles in the Mahan Central Settlement. During PhaseⅡ, with the expansion of Baekje, Tappyeong-ri emerged as a central settlement, utilizing the alluvial lands and hillsides for residential and burial purposes. Tangeumdae Fortress and Chilgeum-dong continued their roles as iron production sites from Phase I. Meanwhile, Baekje left its identity in the Hwangsae-maeri tomb cluster. In PhaseⅡ, iron production by Baekje expanded east to west from Tappyeong-ri. Despite the Goguryeo expansion, Tappyeong-ri continued to serve as a central hub. Additionally, evidence of Goguryeo-related tombs and residences in Dujeong-ri and Danwol-dong suggests a prolonged Goguryeo occupation in the Chungju area. However, in PhaseⅢ, Chungju witnessed the expansion of Silla. Silla utilized Tappyeong-ri, previously occupied by Baekje and Goguryeo, as its central settlement and established a central tomb cluster in Nuam-ri and Haguam-ri. Recently reported remains at 445-1 Tappyeong-ri indicate a broader extent of settlement in Tappyeong-ri, suggesting its continued significance as a central settlement even after the Silla expansion. During this period, surrounding settlements around Tappyeong-ri, Nuam-ri, and Haguam-ri expanded even further compared to Phases I andⅡ. However, in the late 7th century of PhaseⅢ, Danwol-dong emerged prominently, indicating a shift of the central hub towards the east. In essence, the central settlements in the Chungju area evolved from Geumneung-dong, Tangeumdae, and Chilgeum-dong (East) to Tappyeong-ri, Nuam-ri, and Haguam-ri (West), and finally to Danwol-dong (East). This transformation correlates with the expansion processes of the Three Kingdoms era following the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. However, there were differences in the formation and positioning of the central settlements among the Three Kingdoms. Specifically, Baekje chose locations reflecting intentions to monitor or exploit nearby Mahan forces, while Goguryeo and Silla directly occupied Tappyeong-ri. This is interpreted as a measure to counteract the weakening and containment of previous powers.