Emperor Ankō
The 20th Emperor of Japan, whose life is detailed in pseudo-historical chronicles.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Ankō?
- Subject:
- Emperor Ankō
- Known for:
- The 20th Emperor of Japan, whose life is detailed in pseudo-historical chronicles.
- Born:
- 401
- Died:
- 456
- Century / Era:
- 401s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Ankō (安康天皇, Ankō-tennō) (401 – 456) was the 20th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 453 to 456. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Ankō is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
It's recorded in the Kiki that Ingyō was born to Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime (忍坂大中姫) somewhere in 400 AD, and was given the name Anaho (穴穂). While he was the third son of Emperor Ingyō, the title of "Crown Prince" was not bestowed upon him in his father's lifetime. For this particular sovereign, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki tell different versions of what allegedly happened in regard to Emperor Ankō's older brother Prince Kinashi no Karu. After Emperor Ingyō's death in 453 AD, Crown Prince Kinashi no Karu faced a mounting problem. The incestuous relationship with his sister, Princess Karu no Ōiratsume had caused the public to shun him and his retainers refused to follow.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Karu chose to take up arms against his younger brother Anaho (穴穂) as his retainers had instead given their allegiance to him. Prince Anaho (穴穂) responded with a force of his own which prompted Karu to flee and take refuge at a noble family's residence. From this point on, the Kiki splits narratives that converge again with the same fatal outcome. In the Nihon Shoki's version of events, Kinashi no Karu takes his final stand at the residence where he commits an honorary suicide. The Nihon Shoki does not say what happened to Princess Karu no Ōiratsume other than her being banished to Iyo by Emperor Ingyō during his lifetime for incest.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Ankō
True or False: “Did the title 'Tennō' accurately reflect the imperial title used during Emperor Ankō's reign?”
Answer (FALSE ❌): The text suggests that 'Tennō' was likely assigned posthumously; titles like Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi were more appropriate for the era.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Buddhaghosa — Contemporary (Born in 401) (401): Pioneering Indian philosopher and commentator of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
- Leo I (emperor) — Contemporary (Born in 401) (401): Eastern Roman Emperor (457–474) known for Thracian origins and Greek legislation.
- Alaric I — Contemporary figure (Born in 400) (400): Founder of the Visigothic Kingdom, known for the Sack of Rome in 410 AD.
- Chandragupta II — Contemporary figure (Born in 400) (400): Gupta Emperor who expanded the empire to its zenith, defeating Sassanids and Kshatrapas.
- Emperor Nintoku — Contemporary figure (Died in 399) (399): Legendary 16th Emperor of Japan, revered as the Saint Emperor in ancient chronicles.
- Kumaragupta I — Contemporary figure (Born in 399) (399): Gupta emperor who ruled from c. 415 to c. 455 CE, expanding Gupta influence.
- Ambrose — Contemporary figure (Died in 397) (397): Influential Christian theologian, statesman, and Bishop of Milan in the 4th century.
- Martin of Tours — Contemporary figure (Died in 397) (397): Bishop of Tours and revered Christian saint, known for piety and charity.
- Emperor Richū — Contemporary figure (Died in 405) (405): The 17th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw early administrative developments.
- Bahram V — Contemporary figure (Born in 406) (406): Sasanian King of Kings who reigned from 420 to 438 CE.
- 401 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 401
- 456 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 456
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Ankō
Who was Emperor Ankō and what are their primary contributions?
The 20th Emperor of Japan, whose life is detailed in pseudo-historical chronicles. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Ankō (安康天皇, Ankō-tennō) (401 – 456) was the 20th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 453 to 456. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Ankō is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time.
When was Emperor Ankō born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Ankō was born on 401 and passed away on 456. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 401 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Ankō?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia