Emperor Suinin
Legendary 11th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Suinin
- Role / Field:
- Legendary 11th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
- Born:
- 69 BC
- Died:
- 70-07-14
- Century / Era:
- -69s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Suinin (垂仁天皇, Suinin-tennō), also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi no Sumeramikoto (活目入彦五十狭茅天皇) was the 11th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Less is known about Suinin than his father, and likewise he is also considered to be a "legendary emperor". Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Suinin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he ordered his daughter Yamatohime-no-mikoto to establish a new permanent shrine for Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), which eventually became known as the Ise Grand Shrine. Other events that were recorded concurrently with his reign include the origins of Sumo wrestling in the form of a wrestling match involving Nomi no Sukune.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Suinin's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 29 BC to AD 70. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered seventeen children with two chief wives (empress) and six consorts. One of his sons became the next emperor upon his death in 70 AD, but the location of his father's grave (if any) is unknown. Suinin is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb (misasagi) at Nishi-machi, Amagatsuji, Nara City. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Suinin is currently maintained.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
There remains no conclusive evidence though that supports this historical figure actually reigning. 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 Suinin was born sometime in 69 BC, and was the third son of Emperor Sujin. Suinin's empress mother was named Mimaki-hime, who is also former Emperor Kōgen's daughter.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Suinin
True or False: “The historical evidence confirming Emperor Suinin's reign dates are as solid as those for later emperors.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): There is no conclusive evidence supporting his actual reign; the records come from pseudo-historical chronicles like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Cleopatra — Contemporary (Born in -69) (-69): Last active Hellenistic Pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt, ruling from 51 to 30 BC.
- Hyeokgeose of Silla — Contemporary (Born in -69) (-69): Founding monarch of Silla, progenitor of the Bak (Park) clans in Korea.
- Suetonius — Contemporary (Born in 70) (70): Roman historian famed for 'The Twelve Caesars', detailing imperial lives.
- Yohanan ben Zakkai — Contemporary (Died in 70) (70): Pivotal 1st-century rabbi credited with preserving Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.
- Alphonse Mucha — Shared historical date (07-14 · Died) (1939): Master of Art Nouveau, famed for decorative posters and The Slav Epic.
- Angélique Kidjo — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1960): Esteemed French-Beninese musician, activist, and cultural ambassador.
- Anne Golon — Shared historical date (07-14 · Died) (2017): French author, best known for the bestselling Angélique novels.
- Annie Jones (bearded woman) — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1865): Iconic American bearded woman sideshow performer and spokesperson.
- Ante Pavelić — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1889): Croatian politician and dictator of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945)
- Arthur de Gobineau — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1816): French diplomat and writer known for developing early theories of racial hierarchy and Nordicism.
- -69 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -69
- 70 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 70
- July 14 (07-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 14
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Suinin
Who was Emperor Suinin and what are their primary contributions?
Legendary 11th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Suinin (垂仁天皇, Suinin-tennō), also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi no Sumeramikoto (活目入彦五十狭茅天皇) was the 11th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Less is known about Suinin than his father, and likewise he is also considered to be a "legendary emperor". Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Suinin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he ordered his daughter Yamatohime-no-mikoto to establish a new permanent shrine for Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), which eventually became known as the Ise Grand Shrine. Other events that were recorded concurrently with his reign include the origins of Sumo wrestling in the form of a wrestling match involving Nomi no Sukune.
When was Emperor Suinin born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Suinin was born on -69 and passed away on 0070-07-14. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -69 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Suinin?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia