During this period, people who had been living in coastlines along low-lying areas had moved to higher ground to build villages inland.

Certain groves within these villages were designated as sacred grounds, called utaki, for praying to guardian spirits of cultivation.

The existence of Sueki ware and Chinese ceramics excavated in the Amami Islands region is considered as strong evidence of its cultural development.

Trade became more developed and persuaded the aji to gain possession of good harbors like Naha, Yomitan, Itoman, Katsuren, Sashiki, and Unten.

During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, most of the Gusuku used by the Japanese military, especially Shuri Castle, were damaged or destroyed.

The world-heritage listing of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu"[6][7] represents more than 500 years[8][9] of Ryukyuan history, specifically from the 12th to the 17th century.