Emperor Rokujō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Rokujō?

Subject:

Emperor Rokujō

Known for:

79th Emperor of Japan; reigned briefly from 1165 to 1168.

Born:

1164-12-28

Died:

1176-08-23

Century / Era:

1164s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Rokujō (六条天皇, Rokujō-tennō; December 28, 1164 – August 23, 1176) was the 79th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1165 through 1168. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Nobuhito-shinnō (順仁). He was as Yoshihito- or Toshihito-shinnō. He was the son of Emperor Nijō.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was made Crown Prince before his first birthday, and was enthroned at the age of 8 months. 1165 (Eiman 1): The infant son of Emperor Nijō was named heir apparent (and this Crown Prince will soon become Emperor Rokujō. 1165 (Eiman 1, 25th day of the 6th month): In the 7th year of Nijō-tennō's reign (二条天皇七年), the emperor fell so very ill that he abdicated; and the succession (senso) was received by his son. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Rokujō is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui). 1165 (Eiman 1, 27th–28th day of the 7th month): The former- Emperor Nijō died at age 22.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was pressured by the Taira clan to abdicate in favor of his uncle, who became Emperor Takakura. 1168 (Nin'an 3, 19th day of the 2nd month): In the 3rd year of Rokujō-tennō's reign (六条天皇三年), the emperor was deposed by his grandfather, and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his uncle, the seventh son of the retired-Emperor Go-Shirakawa. 1168 (Nin'an 3, 19th day of the 2nd month): Emperor Takakura is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’), and he is proclaimed emperor. 1168 (Nin'an 3, 20th day of the 3rd month): Takakura succeeds Rokujo on the Chrysanthemum Throne. Rokujō died of dysentery at the age of eleven.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1164 (1164-12-28): Birth of Emperor Rokujō — 79th Emperor of Japan; reigned briefly from 1165 to 1168.
2. 1165: 1165 Milestone — His reign spanned the years from 1165 through 1168.
3. 1168: 1168 Milestone — 1168 (Nin'an 3, 19th day of the 2nd month): In the 3rd year of Rokujō-tennō's reign (六条天皇三年), the emperor was deposed by his grandfather, and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his uncle, the seventh son of the retired-Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
4. 1176 (1176-08-23): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Rokujō passed away on 1176-08-23, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Rokujō

True or False: “Emperor Rokujō was deposed by his grandfather during the year 1168.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that in 1168, he was pressured and subsequently deposed by his grandfather, leading to Emperor Takakura's ascension.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Emperor Sutoku — Contemporary (Died in 1164) (1164): 75th Emperor of Japan during the late Heian period, known for his powerful legacy.
• Heloise — Contemporary (Died in 1164) (1164): Renowned medieval scholar, philosopher, and abbess of French letters.
• Ismail al-Jazari — Contemporary (Born in 1164) (1164): Pioneering polymath, inventor, and mechanical engineer from the Islamic Golden Age.
• Boroldai — Contemporary (Born in 1176) (1176): A prominent Mongol general active during the 13th-century invasions of Kievan Rus' and Europe.
• Akiyama Nobutomo — Shared historical date (12-28 · Died) (1575): A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.
• Alex Chilton — Shared historical date (12-28 · Born) (1950): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• Abdülmecid II — Shared historical date (08-23 · Died) (1944): Last Ottoman Caliph and prominent Turkish aesthete, head of the Osmanoğlu family.
• Abu Bakr — Shared historical date (08-23 · Died) (634): First Rashidun Caliph and esteemed companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Emperor Nijō — Historical peer (Died in 1165) (1165): 78th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1158 to 1165, navigating civil unrest.
• Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Born in 1165) (1165): Hohenstaufen Emperor, King of Germany, and co-ruler of Sicily.
• 1164 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1164
• December 28 (12-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 28
• 1176 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1176
• August 23 (08-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 23

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Rokujō