Emperor Kōan
Legendary sixth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Kōan
- Role / Field:
- Legendary sixth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
- Born:
- 427 BC
- Died:
- 291 BC
- Century / Era:
- -427s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Kōan (孝安天皇, Kōan-tennō), also known as Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito no Mikoto (大倭帯日子国押人命) was the sixth legendary emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Kōan is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in the Kojiki other than his name and genealogy. Kōan's reign allegedly began in 393 BC, he had one wife and two sons and reigned for more than 100 years until his death in 291 BC at the age of 137.
Career & Major Achievements
One of his sons then supposedly became the next emperor. Emperor Kōan is traditionally accepted as the final emperor of the Jōmon period, which ended in 300 BC. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, only his name and genealogy were recorded. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and an Imperial misasagi or tomb for Kōan is currently maintained; however, no extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm a view that this historical figure actually reigned. He is believed to be son of Emperor Kōshō; and his mother is believed to have been Yosotarashi-no-hime, who was the daughter of Okitsuyoso, and ancestress of the Owari.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The Kojiki records Kōan was the second son of Emperor Kōshō, and that he ruled from the palace of Akitsushima-no-miya (葛城室之秋津島宮; and in the Nihon Shoki as 室秋津島宮) at Muro in what would come to be known as Yamato Province. Kōan was allegedly an emperor who reigned for more than a hundred years, and lived to the age of 137 (according to the Kojiki). He allegedly had a wife named Yosotarashi-hime, and fathered two children with her. Kōan's reign lasted from 392 BC until his death in 291 BC, one of his sons then took the throne and would later be referred to as Emperor Kōrei. The existence of at least the first nine Emperors is disputed due to insufficient material available for further verification and study.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kōan
True or False: “The first emperor whose reign has verifiable dates according to contemporary historiography was Emperor Kōan.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Emperor Kinmei (c. 509 – 571 AD) is cited as the first emperor whose reign has verifiable dates outside of the Kojiki.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- -427 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -427
- -291 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -291
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kōan
Who was Emperor Kōan and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary sixth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Kōan (孝安天皇, Kōan-tennō), also known as Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito no Mikoto (大倭帯日子国押人命) was the sixth legendary emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Kōan is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in the Kojiki other than his name and genealogy. Kōan's reign allegedly began in 393 BC, he had one wife and two sons and reigned for more than 100 years until his death in 291 BC at the age of 137.
When was Emperor Kōan born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Kōan was born on -427 and passed away on -291. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -427 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Kōan?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia