= The Rise To Power =

Explore the rise and fall of the Ancient Chosen and the establishment of Wiman Chosen in Age of Empires IV, from 2333 B.C. to 190 B.C.

The power of the Ancient Chosen grew from approximately 2333 B.C. to the end of the fourth century B.C. Their expansion may have been due to improved agriculture, population growth, the effective use of newly available iron weapons, stronger leadership, or a combination of these factors. When the Chinese kingdom of Yen encountered the Ancient Chosen, they described them as arrogant and cruel, indicating they were formidable warriors.

Despite their apparent strength at the end of the fourth century B.C., the Ancient Chosen entered a period of decline following the arrival of the Yen kingdom across the Liao River. Over the next century, political instability in the Liaotung Peninsula led to an influx of Chinese political, military, and economic influence into the Ancient Chosen territory. One refugee named Wiman established a power base among fellow refugees and ultimately deposed the Ancient Chosen king around 190 B.C.

The subsequent kingdom, known as Wiman Chosen, was a blend of Korean and Chinese elements. Its superior military and economic might allowed it to conquer smaller Korean states to its north, east, and south. Positioned between the dominant Han Chinese and the remaining southern Korean states, Wiman Chosen effectively controlled trade between these regions. Wiman Chosen dominated north central Korea for three generations.