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Chapter 14 vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Taika reforms | Attempt to remake Japanese monarch into an absolute Chinese-style emperor; |
Tale of Genji, The | Written by Lady Murasaki; 1st novel in any language; relates life history of prominent and amorous son of the Japanese emperor; evidence for mannered style of Japanese society |
Fujiwara | Japanese aristocratic family in mid-9th century; exercised exceptional influence over imperial affairs; aided in decline of imperial power |
bushi | Regional warrior leaders in Japan; ruled small kingdoms from fortresses; administered the law, supervised public works projects, and collected revenues; built up private armies |
samurai | Mounted troops of Japanese warrior leaders (bushi); loyal to local lords, not the emperor |
seppuku | Ritual suicide or disembowelment in Japan; commonly known in West as hara-kiri; demonstrated courage and a means to restore family honor |
Taira | Powerful Japanese family in 11th & 12th centuries; competed with Minamoto family; defeated after Gempei Wars |
Minamoto | Defeated the rival Taira family in Gempei Wars and established military gov. (bakufu) in 12th century Japan |
Gempei Wars | Waged for 5 years from 1180, on Honshu between Taira |