Emperor Kaika
Legendary ninth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Kaika
- Role / Field:
- Legendary ninth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
- Born:
- 208 BC
- Died:
- 98 BC
- Century / Era:
- -208s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Kaika (開化天皇, Kaika-tennō), also known as Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi no Mikoto (若倭根子日子大毘毘命) in the Kojiki, and Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi no Sumeramikoto (稚日本根子彦大日日天皇) in the Nihon Shoki was the ninth 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. Kaika 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. Kaika's reign allegedly began in 158 BC.
Career & Major Achievements
He had one wife and three consorts whom he fathered five children with. After his death in 98 BC, one of his sons supposedly became Emperor Sujin. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, only Kaika's name and genealogy were recorded. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and an Imperial misasagi or tomb for Kaika is currently maintained; however, no extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm a view that this historical figure actually reigned. Kaika was born sometime in 208 BC, and is recorded as being the second son of Emperor Kōgen. His empress mother was named Utsushikome, who was the daughter of Oyakuchisukune.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Before he was enthroned sometime in 158 BC, his pre-ascension name was Prince Nikohiko Ō-hibi 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 Kaika had a chief wife (empress) named Ikagashikome, along with three consorts of which he fathered five children with. Kaika ruled until his death in 98 BC; his second son was then enthroned as the next emperor. His son/heir to the throne was posthumously named Sujin by later generations, and is the first emperor that historians say might have actually existed.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kaika
True or False: “The contemporary records confirming the reign dates of Emperor Kaika are as abundant and verifiable as those for Emperor Kinmei.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Contemporary historiography can assign verifiable dates starting with Emperor Kinmei's reign (c. 509 – 571 AD), while Kaika's existence is largely based on later chronicles.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- Marcus Claudius Marcellus — Contemporary (Died in -208) (-208): Prominent Roman general and five-time consul known for military prowess and the spolia opima.
- An Dương Vương — Contemporary figure (Died in -207) (-207): Founding king of Âu Lạc, uniting the Âu Việt and Lạc Việt tribes.
- Hasdrubal Barca — Contemporary figure (Died in -207) (-207): Punic general famous for his role in the Second Punic War against Rome.
- Archimedes — Contemporary figure (Died in -212) (-212): Polymath of Syracuse, foundational figure in mathematics and engineering.
- Aratus of Sicyon — Contemporary figure (Died in -213) (-213): Prominent Hellenistic statesman and general of the Achaean League.
- Carneades — Contemporary figure (Born in -213) (-213): Leading Hellenistic Skeptic philosopher, critic of Stoicism and Epicureanism.
- Emperor Wen of Han — Contemporary figure (Born in -203) (-203): Fifth Emperor of Han; established stability after Empress Lü's regency.
- Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus — Contemporary figure (Died in -203) (-203): Influential Roman general, famed for the 'Fabian Strategy' against Hannibal.
- -208 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -208
- -98 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -98
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kaika
Who was Emperor Kaika and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary ninth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Kaika (開化天皇, Kaika-tennō), also known as Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi no Mikoto (若倭根子日子大毘毘命) in the Kojiki, and Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi no Sumeramikoto (稚日本根子彦大日日天皇) in the Nihon Shoki was the ninth 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. Kaika 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. Kaika's reign allegedly began in 158 BC.
When was Emperor Kaika born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Kaika was born on -208 and passed away on -98. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -208 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Kaika?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia