Emperor Keikō
Legendary 12th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Keikō
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 12th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
- Born:
- 60-11-07
- Died:
- 130-12-23
- Century / Era:
- 60s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Keikō (景行天皇, Keikō-tennō), also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto (大足彦忍代別天皇) and Ōtarashihiko-oshirowake no Mikoto (大帯日子淤斯呂和氣天皇), was the 12th (and 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 Keikō's alleged lifetime. Keikō was recorded as being an exceptionally tall emperor who had a very large family. During his reign he sought to expand territorial control through conquest of local tribes. He had a very important son named "Prince Ōsu", now known as the folk hero Yamato Takeru, who was in possession of the Kusanagi no Tsurugi when he died.
Career & Major Achievements
This treasure was later moved to Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and is now a part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. It is possible that Keikō lived or reigned in the 4th century rather than the first, but more information is needed. Keikō's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 71 to 130. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered at least 80 children with two chief wives (empress) and nine consorts. One of his sons became the next emperor upon his death in 130, but the location of Keikō's grave (if any) is unknown.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Keikō is traditionally venerated at a misasagi (陵) at Nara. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Keiko is currently maintained. The following information is drawn from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as purported historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted. The records state that Keikō was born sometime in 13 BCE, and was given the name Otarashihiko-no-mikoto.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Keikō
True or False: “The historical records definitively prove that Emperor Keikō lived during the 1st century CE, not the 4th century.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): The text notes that it is possible Keikō reigned in the 4th century rather than the first, but more information is needed to confirm this.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- Abraham Joshua Heschel — Shared historical date (12-23 · Died) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
- Akihito — Shared historical date (12-23 · Born) (1933): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
- Alfred Russel Wallace — Shared historical date (11-07 · Died) (1913): Naturalist and explorer who independently conceived the theory of evolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Keikō
Who was Emperor Keikō and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 12th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Keikō (景行天皇, Keikō-tennō), also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto (大足彦忍代別天皇) and Ōtarashihiko-oshirowake no Mikoto (大帯日子淤斯呂和氣天皇), was the 12th (and 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 Keikō's alleged lifetime. Keikō was recorded as being an exceptionally tall emperor who had a very large family. During his reign he sought to expand territorial control through conquest of local tribes. He had a very important son named "Prince Ōsu", now known as the folk hero Yamato Takeru, who was in possession of the Kusanagi no Tsurugi when he died.
When was Emperor Keikō born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Keikō was born on 0060-11-07 and passed away on 0130-12-23. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 60 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Keikō?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia