Emperor Temmu

Emperor Temmu (???? Temmu Tenn?) (c. 631 - October 1, 686) was the 40th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He ruled from 672 until his death in 686. He was the youngest son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Saimei, and the younger brother of the Emperor Tenji. His name at birth was Prince ?ama. He was succeeded by Empress Jit?, who was both his niece and his wife.

Genealogy

Under the reign of his elder brother Emperor Tenji, Temmu was forced to marry several of Tenji's daughters because Tenji thought those marriages would help to strengthen political ties between the two brothers. The nieces he married included Princess Unonosarara, today known as the Empress Jit?, and Princess ?ta. Temmu also had other consorts whose fathers were influential courtiers.

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Temmu had many children, including his crown prince Kusakabe by Princess Unonosarara, Prince ?tsu by Princess ?ta (whose father also was Tenji), and Prince Toneri, the editor of Nihonshoki and father of Emperor Junnin. Through Prince Kusakabe, Temmu had two emperors and two empresses among his descendents. Empress Sh?toku was the last of these imperial rulers from his lineage.

Related Topics:
Kusakabe - ?tsu - Nihonshoki - Emperor Junnin - Empress Sh?toku

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