Gusuku Period
Videos
The Gusuku Period is an era in the history of the Ryukyu Islands, an island chain now part of Japan. The period corresponds to the spread of agriculture and Japonic culture from Japan alongside increa
The ruins of Katsuren gusuku, Uruma, Okinawa
Shells of Turbo snails were prominent trade goods during the period.
Foxtail millet was a common crop during the Gusuku period.
Reconstruction of an elevated storehouse at Ocean Expo Park, Okinawa
Gusuku
Videos
In the Ryukyu Islands, gusuku are castles and fortresses that feature stone walls. The origin of gusuku remain controversial. The Gusuku period of the islands is the archaeological period in which mos
Gusuku Period
…and Japonic culture from Japan alongside increased social organization, eventually leading to endemic warfare and the construction of the namesake gusuku fortresses. Following the Shellmidden Period, the Gusuku is generally described as beginning in the 11th century after a dramatic social and economic…
Walls of Shuri Castle
Layout of Shuri Castle
Nakijin Castle in northern Okinawa
Furusutobaru Castle on Ishigaki Island