The Nara Period

Question 1

Why was the emperor allowed to rule?

Answer 1

Because he had ‘divine right to rule’ - he was the spiritual and symbolic leader of Japan.
- ‘Emperor’ means ‘‘son of heaven”

Question 2

Where was the new capital in this period?

Answer 2

NARA! It was modelled off the Chinese capital with the same grid-like pattern.

Question 3

What is the order of the 5 major periods starting with the Nara?
(Noble Heros Keep Morals Tight)

Answer 3

1. Nara
2. Heian
3. Kamakura
4. Muromachi
5. Tokugawa

Question 4

Who was the most powerful clan during the Nara period?

Answer 4

The FUJIWARA clan

Question 5

How did the Fujiwara clan become so powerful? (2 things)

Answer 5

1. They MARRIED their women to the emperors to become blood related.
2. They acted as REGENT which gave them the power to rule as an emperor would.

Question 6

What was happening politically during the Nara period? (3 things)

Answer 6

1. The development of a CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT (power is from one place and comes from a group of individuals). This idea came from China and Korea.
2. New LAWS for administration and punishment = TAIHO CODE.
3. Chinese calendar was introduced.

Question 7

What was happening economically during the Nara period? (2 things)

Answer 7

1. TAXES were collected more efficiently and routinely - this idea also came from China.
2. COINS were minted.

Question 8

What was happening culturally during the Nara period? (3 things)

Answer 8

1. WRITING increases. POETRY is written down for the first time.
2. BUDDHISM becomes popular from China/Korea. TEMPLES are built (like the 100m tall one). Cremations are replacing burials.
3. CONFUSICISM grows from China.