Kofun period

Kofun period was a state in Japan (East Asia) that lasted from c. 250 to 538 CE, about 288 years. Its people spoke Japonic languages (Japanese, Ryukyuan).

The age of the Yamato kings, buried in giant keyhole-shaped mounds such as the Daisen Kofun near Osaka, one of the largest tombs on earth. Yamato built alliances with Baekje and took in Korean craftsmen.

See Kofun period on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 250 to 538 CE
Duration: 288 years
Type: State
Region: Japan, East Asia
Language family: Japonic

Came from

Yayoi period c. 300 BCE to 250 CE

Became

Asuka period 538 to 710 CE

Events in East Asia during its time

372 Buddhism reaches Korea

Neighbours in East Asia

Silla 57 BCE to 668 CE
Goguryeo 37 BCE to 668 CE
Baekje 18 BCE to 660 CE
Asuka period 538 to 710 CE
Northern Wei 386 to 535 CE
Eastern Jin 317 to 420 CE
Eastern Wu 229 to 280 CE
Western Jin 266 to 316 CE
Cao Wei 220 to 266 CE
Shu Han 221 to 263 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
Teotihuacan c. 100 BCE to 550 CE, Mesoamerica and Caribbean
Tiwanaku c. 400 to 1000 CE, South America
Sasanian Empire 224 to 651 CE, Middle East
Roman Empire 27 BCE to 395 CE, Europe
Kushan Empire c. 30 to 375 CE, South Asia

Questions

When did Kofun period exist?

c. 250 to 538 CE, about 288 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Kofun period?

Japan, in East Asia.

What language did Kofun period speak?

Japonic. This family includes Japanese, Ryukyuan.

What came before Kofun period?

Yayoi period.

What came after Kofun period?

Asuka period.