Emperor Chūai
Legendary 14th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Chūai
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 14th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
- Born:
- 149
- Died:
- 200
- Century / Era:
- 149s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Chūai (仲哀天皇, Chūai-tennō), also known as Tarashinakatsuhiko no Sumeramikoto (足仲彦天皇) was the 14th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Chūai's alleged lifetime. Chūai is the first monarch to ascend the throne who was not a son of the previous Emperor as the latter's only child died young. He is also noted for having his capital in Kyushu, rather than Yamato like his predecessors. The records state that Chūai had a wife named Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto (later Jingū), and 2 consorts that all bore him 4 children.
Career & Major Achievements
Chūai's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 192 to 200 AD. The events leading up to the Emperor's death have been subject to interpretation as they involve a vengeful Kami (spirit) indirectly killing Chūai. This event allegedly occurred after the Emperor disrespectfully scoffed at the Kami's request. His wife Jingū carried out the Kami's request which was to invade Korea, but this has since been considered legendary rather than factual. While the location of Chūai's grave (if any) is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb, and at a Hachiman shrine.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Chūai" were used by later generations to describe this legendary Emperor. It has also been proposed that Chūai actually reigned much later than he is attested. Emperor Chūai is traditionally listed as the last Emperor of the Yayoi period. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Chūai 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.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Chūai
True or False: “Emperor Chūai's actual historical existence has been definitively proven by archaeological evidence matching the Kiki records.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Modern historians generally view him as a 'legendary Emperor,' and there is no definitive material evidence confirming his reign or life details.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Bhāsa — Contemporary (Born in 200) (200): Pioneering Sanskrit playwright, predating Kālidāsa, whose works were rediscovered in the 20th century.
- Diophantus — Contemporary (Born in 200) (200): Pioneering Greek mathematician, credited with developing early algebraic methods.
- Emperor Ōjin — Contemporary (Born in 200) (200): Legendary 15th Emperor of Japan, divine spirit of Hachiman.
- Aśvaghoṣa — Contemporary figure (Died in 150) (150): Second-century Buddhist Indian poet, philosopher, and dramatist.
- Cassius Dio — Contemporary figure (Born in 150) (150): Roman historian and senator whose work chronicled ancient Rome in Koine Greek.
- Xu Shen — Contemporary figure (Died in 147) (147): Pioneering Chinese philologist and author of the monumental Shuowen Jiezi dictionary.
- Gaius Appuleius Diocles — Contemporary figure (Died in 146) (146): A celebrated Roman charioteer from Lusitania, known for his individual racing prowess.
- Septimius Severus — Contemporary figure (Born in 146) (146): Emperor who ruled from 193 to 211, establishing the Severan Dynasty.
- Kanishka — Contemporary figure (Died in 144) (144): Kushan Emperor who presided over the zenith of the Kushan Empire and patronized Buddhism.
- 149 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 149
- 200 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 200
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Chūai
Who was Emperor Chūai and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 14th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Chūai (仲哀天皇, Chūai-tennō), also known as Tarashinakatsuhiko no Sumeramikoto (足仲彦天皇) was the 14th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Chūai's alleged lifetime. Chūai is the first monarch to ascend the throne who was not a son of the previous Emperor as the latter's only child died young. He is also noted for having his capital in Kyushu, rather than Yamato like his predecessors. The records state that Chūai had a wife named Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto (later Jingū), and 2 consorts that all bore him 4 children.
When was Emperor Chūai born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Chūai was born on 149 and passed away on 200. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 149 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Chūai?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia