Tag: Heiji Rebellion

Minamoto Misgivings

Season 6, Episode 16: Minamoto Misgivings
The night attack on the Sanjo Palace. The Minamoto set fire to the building after securing the Retired Emperor. Public Domain
As the caption says, this is a depiction of retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s abduction at the end of 1159. He can be seen in the sedan wagon looking out very anxiously. Along with the arrest of sitting Emperor Nijo, this would incite the Heiji Rebellion. Public Domain
Emperor Nijo’s escape from Minamoto custody. If you look closely, you can see Nijo-Tenno inside the sedan wagon dressed as a lady-in-waiting. Public Domain
A depiction of the battle at Rokuhara, where the Minamoto samurai were defeated by the Taira. Public Domain
Taira Kiyomori, the man who would emerge from the Heiji Rebellion as the most powerful samurai, and arguably the most powerful person, in all of Japan. Public Domain