Empress Genmei
Empress of Japan (707–715); established Nara as the capital, initiating the Nara period.
Quick Facts: Who was Empress Genmei?
- Subject:
- Empress Genmei
- Known for:
- Empress of Japan (707–715); established Nara as the capital, initiating the Nara period.
- Born:
- 661
- Died:
- 721-12-29
- Century / Era:
- 661s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Empress Genmei (元明天皇, Genmei-tennō; April 20, 660 – December 29, 721), also known as Empress Genmyō, was the 43rd monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Genmei's reign spanned the years 707 through 715. She established the capital at Heijō-kyō in 710, marking the beginning of the Nara period. In the history of Japan, Genmei was the fourth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The three female monarchs before Genmei were Suiko, Kōgyoku/Saimei, and Jitō.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
The four women sovereigns reigning after Genmei were Genshō, Kōken/Shōtoku, Meishō, and Go-Sakuramachi. Before her ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, her personal name (imina) was Abe-hime. Empress Genmei was the fourth daughter of Emperor Tenji; and she was a younger sister of Empress Jitō by a different mother. Her mother, Mei-no-Iratsume (also known as Soga-hime), was a daughter of Udaijin Soga-no-Kura-no-Yamada-no-Ishikawa-no-Maro (also known as Soga Yamada-no Ō-omi). Genmei became the consort (nyōgo) of Crown Prince Kusakabe no Miko, who was the son of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
After the death of their son Emperor Monmu in 707, she acceded to the throne. At least one account suggests that she accepted the role of empress because Emperor Monmu felt his young son, her grandson, was still too young to withstand the pressures which attend becoming emperor. July 18, 707 (Keiun 4, 15th day of the 6th month): In the 11th year of Monmu-tennō's reign (文武天皇十一年), the emperor died; and the succession (senso) was received by the emperor's mother, who held the throne in trust for her young grandson. Shortly thereafter, Empress Genmei is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui). 707 (Keiun 4): Deposits of copper were reported to have been found in Chichibu in Musashi Province in the region which includes modern day Tokyo; 708 (Keiun 5):, The era name was about to be changed to mark the accession of Empress Genmei; but the choice of Wadō as the new nengō for this new reign became a way to mark the welcome discovery of copper.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Empress Genmei
True or False: “The tradition that only male members of the Imperial bloodline could rule was strictly followed during Empress Genmei's reign.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Empress Genmei is noted as being an exception to the conventional argument suggesting women's reigns were temporary.
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- 661 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 661
- 721 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 721
- December 29 (12-29) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 29
Frequently Asked Questions about Empress Genmei
Who was Empress Genmei and what are their primary contributions?
Empress of Japan (707–715); established Nara as the capital, initiating the Nara period. Origins & Early Life: Empress Genmei (元明天皇, Genmei-tennō; April 20, 660 – December 29, 721), also known as Empress Genmyō, was the 43rd monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Genmei's reign spanned the years 707 through 715. She established the capital at Heijō-kyō in 710, marking the beginning of the Nara period. In the history of Japan, Genmei was the fourth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The three female monarchs before Genmei were Suiko, Kōgyoku/Saimei, and Jitō.
When was Empress Genmei born and during which historical era did they live?
Empress Genmei was born on 661 and passed away on 0721-12-29. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 661 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Empress Genmei?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia