Genpei War

The Genpei or Gempei War (????????????) (1180-1185) was a war of ancient Japan, fought between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The Genpei War resulted in the fall of the Taira clan and establishment of Minamoto Yoritomo as shogun of Japan in 1192. The name "Genpei" comes from Genji and Heike, alternate readings of the kanji characters 'Minamoto' and 'Taira' respectively.

Related Topics:
1180 - 1185 - Japan - Taira - Minamoto - Minamoto Yoritomo - Shogun - 1192 - Kanji

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The Genpei Wars were the culmination of a decades-long conflict between the two clans over dominance of the Imperial court, and thus, by extension, control of Japan. In the Hogen Rebellion and Heiji Rebellion of earlier decades, the Minamoto attempted to regain control from the Taira, and failed. The Taira then began a series of executions, intended to eliminate their rivals once and for all. Finally, in 1180, the Genpei Wars themselves began, as Minamoto no Yorimasa supported a different claimant for the Imperial throne than the Taira nominee. The ensuing battle took place just outside Kyoto and is called the first Battle of Uji. The war ended five years later, with a decisive Minamoto victory in the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura.

Related Topics:
Hogen Rebellion - Heiji Rebellion - Minamoto - Taira - 1180 - Minamoto no Yorimasa - Kyoto - Battle of Uji - Battle of Dan-no-ura

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