Empress Genshō
Empress of Japan (715–724), unique for inheriting the throne from another empress regnant.
Quick Facts: Who was Empress Genshō?
- Subject:
- Empress Genshō
- Known for:
- Empress of Japan (715–724), unique for inheriting the throne from another empress regnant.
- Born:
- 680
- Died:
- 748-05-22
- Century / Era:
- 680s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Empress Genshō (元正天皇, Genshō-tennō; 680 – May 22, 748) was the 44th monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Her reign spanned the years 715 through 724. Genshō was the fifth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant, and the only one in the history of Japan to have inherited her title from another empress regnant rather than from a male predecessor. The four female monarchs before Genshō were Suiko, Kōgyoku, Jitō and Genmei; the three reigning after her were Kōken, Meishō, and Go-Sakuramachi. Before her ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, her personal name (imina) was Hidaka-hime.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Genshō was an elder sister of Emperor Monmu and daughter of Prince Kusakabe and his wife who later became Empress Genmei. Therefore, she was a granddaughter of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō by her father and a granddaughter of Emperor Tenji through her mother. Empress Genshō's succession to the throne was intended as a regency until Prince Obito, the son of her deceased younger brother Monmu, was mature enough to ascend the throne. Obito would later become the Emperor Shōmu. Obito was appointed Crown Prince in 714 by Empress Genmei.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
In the next year, 715, Empress Genmei, then in her fifties, abdicated in favor of her daughter Genshō. Obito was then 14 years old. 715 (Reiki 1, 9th month): In the 7th year of Genmei-tennō's reign (元明天皇七年), the empress abdicated; and the succession (senso) was received by her daughter, who held the throne in trust for her younger brother. Shortly thereafter, Empress Genshō acceded to the throne (sokui) as Empress Regnant. Obito remained the crown prince, heir to the new empress.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Empress Genshō
True or False: “Empress Genshō was the first woman in Japanese history to rule as an empress regnant.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): She was not the first; she followed three other female monarchs: Suiko, Kōgyoku, and Jitō.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Bhāskara I — Contemporary (Died in 680) (680): 7th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, pioneer of decimal system notation.
- Husayn ibn Ali — Contemporary (Died in 680) (680): Prominent Alid leader, grandson of Muhammad, and revered figure in Shia Islam.
- Liutprand, King of the Lombards — Contemporary (Born in 680) (680): Most successful Lombard monarch, known for extensive law-giving and conflicts with Italy.
- Abu al-Atahiya — Contemporary (Born in 748) (748): Prominent Abbasid poet known for ascetic verses, rivaling Bashshār and Abū Nuwās.
- Charlemagne — Contemporary (Born in 748) (748): Carolingian Emperor who united Western and Central Europe, reviving imperial rule.
- Abdul-Malik al-Houthi — Shared historical date (05-22 · Born) (1979): Yemeni religious leader and second principal figure of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah).
- Ahmad Shah of Pahang — Shared historical date (05-22 · Died) (2019): Sultan of Pahang and 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia) from 1979–1984.
- Ahmed Fouad Negm — Shared historical date (05-22 · Born) (1929): Iconic Egyptian vernacular poet, celebrated for revolutionary and patriotic verse.
- Albrecht von Graefe (ophthalmologist) — Shared historical date (05-22 · Born) (1828): Pioneering German ophthalmologist, instrumental in establishing modern eye care.
- Alessandro Manzoni — Shared historical date (05-22 · Died) (1873): Master poet and novelist whose work fueled the Italian Risorgimento and language unity.
- 680 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 680
- 748 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 748
- May 22 (05-22) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 22
Frequently Asked Questions about Empress Genshō
Who was Empress Genshō and what are their primary contributions?
Empress of Japan (715–724), unique for inheriting the throne from another empress regnant. Origins & Early Life: Empress Genshō (元正天皇, Genshō-tennō; 680 – May 22, 748) was the 44th monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Her reign spanned the years 715 through 724. Genshō was the fifth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant, and the only one in the history of Japan to have inherited her title from another empress regnant rather than from a male predecessor. The four female monarchs before Genshō were Suiko, Kōgyoku, Jitō and Genmei; the three reigning after her were Kōken, Meishō, and Go-Sakuramachi. Before her ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, her personal name (imina) was Hidaka-hime.
When was Empress Genshō born and during which historical era did they live?
Empress Genshō was born on 680 and passed away on 0748-05-22. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 680 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Empress Genshō?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia