Emperor Yūryaku
The 21st Emperor of Japan, known for a reign marked by both tyranny and cultural patronage.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Yūryaku?
- Subject:
- Emperor Yūryaku
- Known for:
- The 21st Emperor of Japan, known for a reign marked by both tyranny and cultural patronage.
- Born:
- 418
- Died:
- 479
- Century / Era:
- 418s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇, Yūryaku-tennō) (417/18 – 479) was the 21st Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. According to the Kojiki, this Emperor is said to have ruled from the Thirteenth Day of the Eleventh Month of 456 (Heishin) until his death on the Seventh Day of the Eighth Month of 479 (Kibi). He is the first archaeologically verifiable Japanese emperor. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Yūryaku 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.
Career & Major Achievements
These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. It is recorded in the Kiki that Yūryaku was born to Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime (忍坂大中姫) sometime in 417 or 418 AD, and was given the name Ōhatsuse no Wakatakeru (大泊瀬稚武皇子). As the fifth and youngest son of Emperor Ingyō he was never given the title of "Crown Prince" due to his two older living brothers. Ōhatsuse was thrown into a fit of rage when he learned that his brother Emperor Ankō was assassinated in 456 AD. He then immediately became suspicious of his two elder brothers as conspirers.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Ōhatsuse's first action was to question Prince Shirahiko regarding what could have happened. Shirahiko allegedly knew Ōhatsuse was up to no good, so he sat silently which prompted Ōhatsuse to kill them both individually with a sword. He then turned his rage towards the boy assassin Mayowa no Ōkimi (Prince Mayowa), and his other brother Kurohiko by burning him to death. This just left Emperor Richū's eldest son Prince Ichinobe no Oshiwa in contention for the throne. Ōhatsuse was resentful that Ankō had formally wished to transfer the kingdom to Ichinobe.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Yūryaku
True or False: “Did the historical records suggest that Emperor Yūryaku's rule was characterized solely by benevolent governance?”
Answer (FALSE ❌): The Kiki describe his reign as being full of tyranny and cruelty, though later accounts note improvements in behavior.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Lushan Huiyuan — Contemporary figure (Died in 416) (416): Founding figure of Pure Land Buddhism, known for the White Lotus Society.
- Jerome — Contemporary figure (Died in 420) (420): Pioneering theologian, translator, and historian renowned for the Latin Vulgate Bible.
- Hypatia — Contemporary figure (Died in 415) (415): Pioneering Neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician of Alexandria.
- Bao Zhao — Contemporary figure (Born in 414) (414): Prominent poet, writer, and official of the Liu Song dynasty, known for his 'Fu' rhapsodies.
- Emperor Wu of Song — Contemporary figure (Died in 422) (422): Founder of the Liu Song Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Song, a military powerhouse.
- Faxian — Contemporary figure (Died in 422) (422): Pioneering Buddhist pilgrim whose records shaped East Asian understanding of Indian Buddhism.
- Gwanggaeto the Great — Contemporary figure (Died in 413) (413): Great King of Goguryeo, who expanded the empire to its zenith in East Asia.
- Kumārajīva — Contemporary figure (Died in 413) (413): Pivotal Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator from Kucha, central to Chinese Buddhism.
- 418 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 418
- 479 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 479
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Yūryaku
Who was Emperor Yūryaku and what are their primary contributions?
The 21st Emperor of Japan, known for a reign marked by both tyranny and cultural patronage. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇, Yūryaku-tennō) (417/18 – 479) was the 21st Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. According to the Kojiki, this Emperor is said to have ruled from the Thirteenth Day of the Eleventh Month of 456 (Heishin) until his death on the Seventh Day of the Eighth Month of 479 (Kibi). He is the first archaeologically verifiable Japanese emperor. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Yūryaku 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.
When was Emperor Yūryaku born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Yūryaku was born on 418 and passed away on 479. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 418 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Yūryaku?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia