Emperor Suizei

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Emperor Suizei

Role / Field:

Legendary second emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.

Born:

669 BC

Died:

548 BC

Century / Era:

-669s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Suizei (綏靖天皇, Suizei-tennō), also known as Kamununakawamimi no Mikoto (神沼河耳命), was the second legendary emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Suizei is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. A legendary account from the Kojiki states that Suizei became emperor after receiving the title of crown prince by his half brother due to his bravery regarding a murder plot. Suizei's reign started in 581 BC, he had one wife and a sole son who supposedly became the next emperor upon his death in 549 BC.

Career & Major Achievements

While the Kojiki provides little information about Suizei, it does state his name, genealogy, and a record about his accession to the throne. He was born sometime in 632 BC, and was one of the sons of Emperor Jimmu and his chief wife Himetataraisuzu-hime. The account in the Kojiki states that Suizei's older brother Kamuyaimimi was originally the Crown-prince. When Jimmu died, another of his sons named Tagishimimi attempted to seize the throne by murdering those in his way. Tagishimimi was born to a lesser wife named Ahiratsu-hime, and was older than Jimmu's legitimate heir.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When Himetataraisuzu-hime learned of the plot she tried in vain to warn her sons by way of songs and poems. While Suizei encouraged Kamuyaimimi to slay Tagishimimi, he could not find it in him to murder his own half brother. Suizei pleaded with his older brother for the weapon he was going to use, and upon receiving it accomplished the deed for him. Kamuyaimimi ceded his rights as crown prince shortly after to Suizei as he believed his braver younger brother should be the new Emperor. Emperor Suizei's pre-ascension name remains unknown, but the Kojiki records that he ruled from the palace of Takaoka-no-miya (葛城高岡宮) at Katsuragi in what would come to be known as Yamato Province.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 669 BC: Birth of Emperor Suizei — Legendary second emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
2. 548 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Suizei passed away on -548, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Suizei

True or False: “Emperor Suizei's reign was definitively confirmed by contemporary historiography until the time of Emperor Kanmu.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The verifiable dates for early emperors were not confirmed as 'traditional' until the reign of Emperor Kanmu between 737 and 806 AD.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Taharqa — Contemporary figure (Died in -664) (-664): Powerful Pharaoh of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty, ruling both Egypt and Kush.
• Emperor Sujin — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Legendary tenth Emperor of Japan, whose reign is chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
• Emperor Taishō — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Emperor of Japan during the Taishō period, overseeing political liberalization and global crises.
• Emperor Taizong of Tang — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Co-founder of the Tang Dynasty, whose reign marked a golden age in Chinese history.
• Emperor Taizu of Jin — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Founder of the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty, a major power in northern China.
• Emperor Taizu of Song — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Founder of the Song Dynasty, reunifying China through military prowess and political reform.
• -669 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -669
• -548 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -548

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Suizei