Emperor Nintoku
Legendary 16th Emperor of Japan, revered as the Saint Emperor in ancient chronicles.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Nintoku
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 16th Emperor of Japan, revered as the Saint Emperor in ancient chronicles.
- Born:
- 290
- Died:
- 399
- Century / Era:
- 290s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇, Nintoku-tennō), also known as Ohosazaki no Sumeramikoto (大鷦鷯天皇) was the 16th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Due to his reputation for goodness derived from depictions in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he is sometimes referred to as the Saint Emperor (聖帝, Hijiri-no-mikado). While his existence is generally accepted as fact, no firm dates can be assigned to Nintoku's life or reign. He is traditionally considered to have reigned from 313 to 399, although these dates are doubted by scholars. The Japanese have traditionally accepted Nintoku's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Nintoku is currently maintained.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
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. The Kiki states that Nintoku was born to Nakatsuhime no Mikoto (仲姫命) sometime in 290 AD, and was given the name Ohosazaki no Mikoto (大鷦鷯尊). According to the Nihon Shoki, he was the fourth son of Emperor Ōjin. Nintoku is regarded by historians as a ruler during the early 5th century whose existence is generally accepted as fact without attributing all of the things he allegedly accomplished.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Nintoku's contemporary title would not have been tennō, as most historians believe this title was not introduced until the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. Rather, it was presumably Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi (治天下大王), meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven". Alternatively, Nintoku might have been referred to as ヤマト大王/大君 or the "Great King of Yamato". The name "Nintoku" also might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to him, possibly during the time in which legends about the origins of the imperial dynasty were compiled as the chronicles known today as the Kojiki. Although the Nihon Shoki states that Nintoku ruled from 313 to 399, research suggests the dates in this time period are likely inaccurate.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Nintoku
True or False: “The title 'Tennō' was used by Emperor Nintoku during his reign, according to the primary historical sources.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Most historians believe the title 'Tennō' was not introduced until much later, possibly during the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Emperor Wu of Jin — Contemporary (Died in 290) (290): Founder of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Yan unified China after the collapse of Cao Wei.
- Pappus of Alexandria — Contemporary (Born in 290) (290): Pappus of Alexandria, a pivotal Greek mathematician of late antiquity.
- Kumaragupta I — Contemporary (Born in 399) (399): Gupta emperor who ruled from c. 415 to c. 455 CE, expanding Gupta influence.
- Vasubandhu — Contemporary (Died in 399) (399): Pioneering Indian Buddhist philosopher, founder of the Yogacara school.
- Ermanaric — Contemporary figure (Born in 291) (291): Gothic King of the 4th Century, ruler of a vast, contested realm.
- Liu Hui — Contemporary figure (Died in 295) (295): Influential Chinese mathematician known for his commentary on The Nine Chapters.
- 290 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 290
- 399 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 399
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Nintoku
Who was Emperor Nintoku and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 16th Emperor of Japan, revered as the Saint Emperor in ancient chronicles. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇, Nintoku-tennō), also known as Ohosazaki no Sumeramikoto (大鷦鷯天皇) was the 16th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Due to his reputation for goodness derived from depictions in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he is sometimes referred to as the Saint Emperor (聖帝, Hijiri-no-mikado). While his existence is generally accepted as fact, no firm dates can be assigned to Nintoku's life or reign. He is traditionally considered to have reigned from 313 to 399, although these dates are doubted by scholars. The Japanese have traditionally accepted Nintoku's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Nintoku is currently maintained.
When was Emperor Nintoku born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Nintoku was born on 290 and passed away on 399. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 290 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Nintoku?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia