Emperor Seimu
Legendary 13th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Seimu
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 13th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
- Born:
- 83
- Died:
- 191
- Century / Era:
- 83s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Seimu (成務天皇, Seimu-tennō), also known as Wakatarashi hiko no Sumera mikoto (稚足彦天皇), was the 13th 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 Seimu's alleged lifetime. This legendary Emperor is best known for organizing his local governments by making the first appointments of their kind to provinces under his rule. Seimu had only one recorded wife who bore him a single child; he also had a concubine but she had no children. This is in stark contrast to his father, who is said to have had at least 80 children with multiple wives.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Seimu's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 131 to 190 AD. An issue ultimately occurred when his only son allegedly died at a young age. Seimu appointed one of his nephews to be crown prince before his death in 190 AD, marking the first of later generations which would cede the throne to a non-direct successor. While the location of Seimu's grave (if any) is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Seimu" was used by later generations to describe this legendary Emperor.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
It has also been proposed that Seimu actually reigned much later than he is attested. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Seimu is currently maintained. 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 records state that Seimu was born to Yasakairi-hime sometime in 84 AD, and was given the name Wakatarashihiko (稚足彦尊).
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Seimu
True or False: “The title 'Tennō' was used by Seimu during his alleged reign period as recorded in the Kiki.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Modern historians suggest that the title 'Tennō' was likely assigned to him posthumously by later generations compiling the chronicles.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- Pope Linus — Contemporary figure (Died in 79) (79): Second Bishop of Rome, succeeding Saint Peter, active from c. 68 to c. 80 AD.
- Kanishka — Contemporary figure (Born in 78) (78): Kushan Emperor who presided over the zenith of the Kushan Empire and patronized Buddhism.
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- 83 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 83
- 191 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 191
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Seimu
Who was Emperor Seimu and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 13th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Seimu (成務天皇, Seimu-tennō), also known as Wakatarashi hiko no Sumera mikoto (稚足彦天皇), was the 13th 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 Seimu's alleged lifetime. This legendary Emperor is best known for organizing his local governments by making the first appointments of their kind to provinces under his rule. Seimu had only one recorded wife who bore him a single child; he also had a concubine but she had no children. This is in stark contrast to his father, who is said to have had at least 80 children with multiple wives.
When was Emperor Seimu born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Seimu was born on 83 and passed away on 191. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 83 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Seimu?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia