Genpei War Flashcards
When did the Genpei War Start?
1181-1185
What had led up to the Genpei War?
Tension between the Taira (Heike) and the Minamoto (Genji) clans during the Hogen and Heiji Disturbances
Was the fighting just between the Taira and Minamoto clans?
No there was also intra-clan fighting
Give a basic rundown of the First stage of the Genpei War
1) Taira no Kiyomori put ex-emperor Go-Shirawaka on house arrest
2) Word got out to the Minamoto Clans and warrior monks on Mt. Hiei that Prince Mochihito was making a move to restore the throne via calling of arms
3) Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was banished during the Heiji Disturbance, starts promising shoen to all warriors that plead loyalty to him
4) Taira no Kiyomori takes Go-Shirawaka out of house arrest, places him as senior ex-emperor, and starts moving against the Great Temples- otherwise known as the Burning of Nara (spefically he burned down Todaiji and Kofuiji). He dies a month later
5) Due to the Famine and Kiyomori’s death in 1181, Minamoto Yorimoto was able to consolidate his rule
Prelude to Genpei War, name 4 big reasons for the tension before the spark
Minamoto Yoritomo offering estates to warriors
Tension between central nobles and provincial managers
Taira no Kiyomori and Go-Shirakawa at odds
Prince Mochihito’s call to arms
The two years of lull fighting (1181-1183) was due to what?
Famine
Second Stage of Genpei War, give basic rundown
1) Yoshinaka scored many victories including the decisive one at Kurikara, paving the way
to his eventual occupation of Kyoto. Taira flees with west with 4 year old Emperor Antoku
2) Country divided into four areas, each dominated by one hostile military authority
3) Yoritomo tried to buttress his position as Minamoto clan leader as he was in danger of
being relegated to the side by Yoshinaka’s victories
4) Yoshinaka attitude and his bumass warriors were pissing off the court
5) Yorimoto sends Yoshitsune to kill Yoshinaka and Minamoto forces consolidate under Yorimoto
Most important figures in the Genpei War
Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127-1192)
Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181)
Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147- 1199)
Minamoto no Yoshinaka (1154-1184)
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189)
Third Stage of Genpei War; Give a rundown
1)Yoshitsune destroyed the Taira in two decisive battles: Mizushima and Dannoura
2) Emperor Antoku drowns in the Battle of Battle of Dannoura
3) Yoshitsune and Yorimoto at odds. Go-Shirawaka gives title to Yoshitsune
4) Yoshitsune is killed by Minamoto no Yasuhira
Basic overview of the Consolidation of the Kamkura Period
1) Continuation of Shōen
2) Kamakura Period as Dyarchy
3) Heian Court and Kamakura Court
4) Joint management of provincial land by warrior officials and court (provincial) officials.
4) Hōjō Family as Regents of Kamamura Shogunate after
Yoritomo’s death in 1199
6) Creation of New Posts – Shugo and Jitō
Define what a Dyarchy is
government by two independent authorities
What is the Tale of Heike?
A monogatari that focuses on the Genpei War. It was written around the 13th/14th century. It focuses on warriors from both houses
How was the Tale of Heike likely compiled?
It was likely merger of enrichments and embellishments
developed by traveling entertainers called Biwa Hoshi
Explain the strong overtone of Buddhism in the Tale of Heike
It’s pretty evident throught the Tale but especially in The Burning of Nara and the Death of Kiyomori. His death is seen as karma for burning down Tokoiji and Kofuiji and attacking the buddhist monks. Chanting was also prevalent through the work and performance of this work
Which clan was romanticized within the Tale of Heike.
The Taira clan
