Bessho Nagaharu

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Bessho Nagaharu

Role / Field:

A Sengoku period daimyō who initially allied with the Oda before revolting against Hideyoshi.

Born:

1558

Died:

1580-02-02

Century / Era:

1558s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Bessho Nagaharu (別所 長治; 1558 – February 2, 1580) was a Japanese daimyō of the Sengoku period. He was the eldest son of Bessho Yasuharu. In 1578 Oda Nobunaga called on his retainers to attack the Mōri clan.

Career & Major Achievements

Nagaharu almost decided to ally with the Oda clan, but after hearing that the low-born general Hashiba Hideyoshi, whom he did not respect, was leading the troops, he revolted and instead allied himself with Hatano Hideharu of Tanba province. Nagaharu took a stand at Miki Castle, and was besieged by Hideyoshi's troops on the orders of Nobunaga. The Siege of Miki did not go well for Hideyoshi, and with a revolt by Araki Murashige and the help of the Mōri clan, Nagaharu successfully repelled the Oda force.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1579, Hideyoshi returned and instead of launching a direct assault, he launched multiple sieges against smaller castles like Kamiyoshi Castle and Sigata Castle to cut off the support from Mōri. This led to a rapid depletion of food, and in 1580, with no hope of another reinforcement from Mōri clan, Nagaharu committed seppuku in exchange for the lives of the troops in Miki Castle.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1558: Birth of Bessho Nagaharu — A Sengoku period daimyō who initially allied with the Oda before revolting against Hideyoshi.
2. 1578: 1578 Milestone — In 1578 Oda Nobunaga called on his retainers to attack the Mōri clan.
3. 1579: 1579 Milestone — In 1579, Hideyoshi returned and instead of launching a direct assault, he launched multiple sieges against smaller castles like Kamiyoshi Castle and Sigata Castle to cut off the support from Mōri.
4. 1580 (1580-02-02): Passing & Historical Legacy — Bessho Nagaharu passed away on 1580-02-02, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bessho Nagaharu

True or False: “Did Bessho Nagaharu remain loyal to Oda Nobunaga throughout his military career?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Nagaharu initially considered allying with the Oda clan but ultimately revolted against them when he felt slighted by Hashiba Hideyoshi.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bessho Nagaharu