Emperor Kōgen
Legendary eighth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Kōgen
- Role / Field:
- Legendary eighth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
- Born:
- 272 BC
- Died:
- 157 BC
- Century / Era:
- -272s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Kōgen (孝元天皇, Kōgen-tennō), also known as Ōyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto (大倭根子日子国玖琉命) was the eighth 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. Kōgen 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. Kōgen's reign allegedly began in 214 BC, he had one wife and two consorts whom he fathered six children with.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
After his death in 158 BC, one of his sons supposedly became Emperor Kaika. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, only Kōgen's name and genealogy were recorded. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and an Imperial misasagi or tomb for Kōgen is currently maintained; however, no extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm a view that this historical figure actually reigned. Kōgen was born sometime in 273 BC, and is recorded as being the eldest son of Emperor Kōrei. His empress mother was named "Kuwashi-hime", who was the daughter of Shiki no Agatanushi Oome.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Before he was enthroned sometime in 214 BC, his pre-ascension name was Prince Ō-yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru no Mikoto. The Kojiki records that he ruled from the palace of Sakaihara-no-miya (軽之堺原宮; and in the Nihon Shoki as 軽境原宮) at Karu in what would come to be known as Yamato Province. Emperor Kōgen had a chief wife (empress) named Utsushikome, along with two consorts. His first son was named Prince Ōhiko, and according to the Nihon Shoki was the direct ancestor of the Abe clan. One of Kōgen's other sons, Prince Hikofutsuoshinomakoto, was also the grandfather of the legendary Japanese hero-statesman Takenouchi no Sukune.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kōgen
True or False: “The Kojiki contains verifiable contemporary records confirming Emperor Kōgen's actual reign dates.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): No extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm his historical reign; only his name and genealogy are recorded in the Kojiki.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Pyrrhus of Epirus — Contemporary (Died in -272) (-272): Hellenistic King of Epirus, famed general who fought Rome and coined the term 'Pyrrhic victory'.
- Emperor Wen of Han — Contemporary (Died in -157) (-157): Fifth Emperor of Han; established stability after Empress Lü's regency.
- Gaius Marius — Contemporary (Born in -157) (-157): Influential Roman general and statesman who served as consul seven times.
- Bindusara — Contemporary figure (Died in -273) (-273): Second Mauryan Emperor of Magadha, father of Ashoka, ruled c. 297–273 BCE.
- Aratus of Sicyon — Contemporary figure (Born in -271) (-271): Prominent Hellenistic statesman and general of the Achaean League.
- Epicurus — Contemporary figure (Died in -270) (-270): Founder of Epicureanism, advocating simple pleasures, friendship, and freedom from fear.
- Marcus Claudius Marcellus — Contemporary figure (Born in -270) (-270): Prominent Roman general and five-time consul known for military prowess and the spolia opima.
- Gnaeus Naevius — Contemporary figure (Born in -275) (-275): A foundational Roman poet, dramatist, and soldier of the Old Latin period.
- Hamilcar Barca — Contemporary figure (Born in -275) (-275): Punic general and statesman, father of Hannibal, who expanded Carthaginian power in Spain.
- Demetrius II Aetolicus — Contemporary figure (Born in -269) (-269): King of Macedon and Aetolicus, ruling from 239 to 229 BC.
- -272 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -272
- -157 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -157
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kōgen
Who was Emperor Kōgen and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary eighth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Kōgen (孝元天皇, Kōgen-tennō), also known as Ōyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto (大倭根子日子国玖琉命) was the eighth 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. Kōgen 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. Kōgen's reign allegedly began in 214 BC, he had one wife and two consorts whom he fathered six children with.
When was Emperor Kōgen born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Kōgen was born on -272 and passed away on -157. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -272 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Kōgen?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia