Empress Jitō

Quick Facts: Who was Empress Jitō?

Subject:

Empress Jitō

Known for:

Empress of Japan (686–697), 41st monarch by traditional count.

Born:

645

Died:

703-01-13

Century / Era:

645s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Empress Jitō (持統天皇, Jitō-tennō; 645 – January 13, 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697. In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were Suiko and Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were Genmei, Genshō, Kōken/Shōtoku, Meishō, and Go-Sakuramachi.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Empress Jitō was the daughter of Emperor Tenji. Her mother was Ochi-no-Iratsume, the daughter of Minister Ō-omi Soga no Yamada-no Ishikawa Maro. She was the wife of Tenji's full brother Emperor Tenmu, whom she succeeded on the throne. Empress Jitō's given name was Unonosarara or Unonosasara (鸕野讚良), or alternatively Uno. Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Tenmu, who was also her uncle.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato. In 689, Jitō prohibited Sugoroku, in 690 at enthronement she performed special ritual then gave pardon and in 692 she travelled to Ise against the counsel of minister Miwa-no-Asono-Takechimaro. Prince Kusakabe was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusakabe's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 645: Birth of Empress Jitō — Empress of Japan (686–697), 41st monarch by traditional count.
2. 703 (0703-01-13): Passing & Historical Legacy — Empress Jitō passed away on 0703-01-13, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Empress Jitō

True or False: “Empress Jitō was the first woman to rule as an empress regnant in Japanese history.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): She was not the first; two female monarchs preceding her were Suiko and Kōgyoku/Saimei.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Empress Jitō