Changes

Succession disputes which broke out following the death of King [[Sho Kinpuku|Shô Kinpuku]] in [[1453]] led to the destruction of the palace buildings at that time, and the loss of many artifacts including silver seals granted the kings of Ryûkyû by the Hongwu Emperor as signs of authority<ref>Kerr. p97.</ref>. The castle was rebuilt shortly afterward.

Succession disputes which broke out following the death of King [[Sho Kinpuku|Shô Kinpuku]] in [[1453]] led to the destruction of the palace buildings at that time, and the loss of many artifacts including silver seals granted the kings of Ryûkyû by the Hongwu Emperor as signs of authority<ref>Kerr. p97.</ref>. The castle was rebuilt shortly afterward.

Little is known about the appearance of the castle in this early period. However, the accounts of Korean castaway Ryang Seong give some sense of it. According to Ryang, the castle resembled those in Korea, with high, winding walls and numerous buildings within the grounds. Shuri in particular incorporated three sets of walls; stables and a storehouse were located within the outermost wall, barracks for about 200 soldiers were located within the second enclosure, and a three-story building stood at the center of the innermost enclosure. This three-story structure was the seat of government and the residence of the king on certain lucky days of the calendar; it contained stores for food and wine in the bottom floor and for royal treasures on the top floor. The roof was of planks or slats, not ceramic tiles. The king, who otherwise resided in a two-story building nearby, possibly attached to the three-story structure, was regularly attended by around one hundred male servants and another one hundred female attendants, many or all of whom were armed with swords and served as the king's guard.<ref name=maritime93/>

Little is known about the appearance of the castle in this early period. However, the accounts of Korean castaway [[Ryang Seong]] give some sense of it. According to Ryang, the castle resembled those in Korea, with high, winding walls and numerous buildings within the grounds. Shuri in particular incorporated three sets of walls; stables and a storehouse were located within the outermost wall, barracks for about 200 soldiers were located within the second enclosure, and a three-story building stood at the center of the innermost enclosure. This three-story structure was the seat of government and the residence of the king on certain lucky days of the calendar; it contained stores for food and wine in the bottom floor and for royal treasures on the top floor. The roof was of planks or slats, not ceramic tiles. The king, who otherwise resided in a two-story building nearby, possibly attached to the three-story structure, was regularly attended by around one hundred male servants and another one hundred female attendants, many or all of whom were armed with swords and served as the king's guard.<ref name=maritime93/>

Archaeological excavations have revealed that an area in the western portion of the castle grounds, known as the Iri no Azana, was home to metalworking facilities. The remains or at least indications of the former presence of a furnace, trenches, crucibles, and molds have been found; it is believed that large temple bells, among other items, were produced here, within the castle grounds.<ref name=maritime93/>

Archaeological excavations have revealed that an area in the western portion of the castle grounds, known as the Iri no Azana, was home to metalworking facilities. The remains or at least indications of the former presence of a furnace, trenches, crucibles, and molds have been found; it is believed that large temple bells, among other items, were produced here, within the castle grounds.<ref name=maritime93/>