Queen Jindeok of Silla (?–654), reigned as Queen of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 647 to 654. She was the kingdom's 28th ruler, and its second reigning queen following her predecessor Queen Seondeok. During her reign, Silla jockeyed with Baekje for favor in the Chinese Tang court. She is also known for writing a poem of the Emperor Gaozong of Tang. Accroding to Samguk Sagi, she was voluptuous, beautiful and tall. Reign Queen Jindeok (r. 647–654) ascended the throne and became the Silla's second Queen regnant after Queen Seondeok. The last monarch from the ranks of the Seonggol, the highest class in the Silla's unique caste system, her real name is Seungman. Her father was Kim Gukban, who was King Jinpyeong's youngest brother, and her mother was Lady Wolmyeong. During her seven-year reign Queen Jindeok's primary concern was foreign policy. With the help of general Kim Yushin she was able to strengthen Silla's defenses and greatly improve her kingdom's relations with Tang China. Those efforts laid the foundation for the unification of the three kingdoms (Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo). She also expanded the Pumju tax-collecting system. Her tomb is located on the hill in Gyeongju city. Although some historians have doubt that if it is really the tomb of Queen Jindeok. According to the Samguk Sagi she was buried at Saryangbu, which is located in the opposite direction from the tomb. Legacy When King Jeonggang was dying in 887, he appointed his sister Jinseong as his heir, justifying the choice of a female monarch by pointing at Seondeok's and Jindeok's successful reigns. The name of an era Queen Jindeok used the era name, Inpyeong, from January to July in 647, when she was crowned, and changed the era name as Taehwa. From July 647 to June 650, she used the Taehwa era, but later she used Yeonghwi, the era that was used during the Tang dynasty. Taehwa is the last name that Silla has used independently. Family Grandfather: Crown Prince Dongryun (동륜태자), son of King Jinheung of Silla, 24th ruler of Silla, and Queen Sado of the Park clan (사도왕후 박씨) Grandmother: Lady Manho of the Kim clan (만호부인 김씨) Uncle: Jinpyeong of Silla, 26th ruler of Silla Cousin: Queen Seondeok of Silla, 27th ruler of Silla Cousin: Princess Cheonmyeong of Silla Cousin-once-removed: Muyeol of Silla, 29th ruler of Silla Father: Galmunwang Gukban Mother: Lady Wolmyeong