Emperor Hanzei
Legendary 18th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in ancient chronicles.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Hanzei
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 18th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in ancient chronicles.
- Born:
- 336
- Died:
- 410
- Century / Era:
- 336s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Hanzei (反正天皇, Hanzei-tennō) also known as Emperor Hansho, was the 18th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) recorded events that took place during Hanzei's alleged lifetime. No firm dates can be assigned to this Emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 406 CE to 410 CE. His family included an "Imperial Lady", and "Concubine" which bore him 4 children. Historians have stated that while nothing remarkable took place during Hanzei's brief reign, he did have ranked concubines which is an introduced Chinese custom.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Hanzei died sometime in 410 AD without naming an heir to the throne which caused Imperial ministers to name a successor. While the location of Hanzei's grave is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Hanzei" were used by later generations to describe him. There is also a general consensus regarding Hanzei's factual existence. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Hanzei is currently maintained.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
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. It's recorded in the Kiki that Hanzei was born to Princess Iwa (磐之媛命, Iwa no hime no Mikoto) sometime in 352 AD, and was given the name Mizuhawake (瑞歯別). He was the third son of Emperor Nintoku, and a younger brother of Emperor Richū. The phrase Mizu ha in the name Mizuhawake translates to beautiful teeth, as he was said to have beautiful "exceptionally large" "teeth like one bone" all of the same size.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Hanzei
True or False: “The title 'Tennō' was used by Hanzei during his actual lifetime as a verifiable title.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Historians suggest the title 'Tennō' was likely assigned to him posthumously by later generations compiling chronicles.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Arius — Contemporary (Died in 336) (336): Cyrenaic presbyter whose teachings initiated the Arian controversy regarding the nature of Christ.
- Emperor Richū — Contemporary (Born in 336) (336): The 17th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw early administrative developments.
- Alaric I — Contemporary (Died in 410) (410): Founder of the Visigothic Kingdom, known for the Sack of Rome in 410 AD.
- Gregory of Nyssa — Contemporary figure (Born in 335) (335): A pivotal 4th-century theologian, bishop, and scholar of the Trinity.
- Pope Sylvester I — Contemporary figure (Died in 335) (335): Bishop of Rome during a transformative era for the Western Church.
- Constantine the Great — Contemporary figure (Died in 337) (337): Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople.
- Lushan Huiyuan — Contemporary figure (Born in 334) (334): Founding figure of Pure Land Buddhism, known for the White Lotus Society.
- Fu Jian (337–385) — Contemporary figure (Born in 338) (338): Heavenly King of Great Qin, who briefly unified Northern China before his fall.
- Ambrose — Contemporary figure (Born in 339) (339): Influential Christian theologian, statesman, and Bishop of Milan in the 4th century.
- Eusebius — Contemporary figure (Died in 340) (340): Pioneering Christian historian, exegete, and scholar of late antiquity.
- 336 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 336
- 410 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 410
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Hanzei
Who was Emperor Hanzei and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 18th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in ancient chronicles. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Hanzei (反正天皇, Hanzei-tennō) also known as Emperor Hansho, was the 18th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) recorded events that took place during Hanzei's alleged lifetime. No firm dates can be assigned to this Emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 406 CE to 410 CE. His family included an "Imperial Lady", and "Concubine" which bore him 4 children. Historians have stated that while nothing remarkable took place during Hanzei's brief reign, he did have ranked concubines which is an introduced Chinese custom.
When was Emperor Hanzei born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Hanzei was born on 336 and passed away on 410. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 336 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Hanzei?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia