The Life and Achievements of Minamoto No Yoritomo

By timetoaster42069
  • May 9, 1147

    Minamoto is born

    Minamoto is born in Owari province, Japan.
  • Period: May 9, 1147 to Feb 9, 1199

    Lifespan

    The lifetime of Minamoto Yoritomo
  • 1159

    Minamoto is Captured

    Minamoto is banished to the Izu province in 1159, after his father was defeated while attempting to destroy the Taira clan. Minamoto is to remain in captivity for multiple years.
  • Period: 1159 to 1179

    Held captive

    Following his father's defeat at the hands of Taira Kiyomori, Minamoto is captured by the Taira clan and lives under their surveillance for 20 years.
  • 1180

    The Gempei War begins

    The Gempei war was the final skirmish between the Minamoto and Taira clans, the latter of which had dominated the government for decades, this war would ultimately lead to the formation of the Kamakura Shogunate.
  • Period: 1180 to 1185

    Gempei war

    Minamoto, after being released, forms his own clan, with this he plans to invade the surrounding regions in an uprising against the Taira clan, and for control over the country.
  • Mar 20, 1181

    Death of Taira no Kiyomori

    Shortly after the beginning of the Gempei war, the leader of the Taira clan, (and the same person who defeated Minamoto's father) dies and is replaced by Taira no Nuremori, who is more aggressive in his attacks against Minamoto.
  • 1183

    Komunjo and Monchujo

    Minamoto establishes a new, independent government in Kyoto, in the form of:
    Kumonjo - Board of Public Papers
    Munchujo - Board of Questioning
    Minamoto is also able to set up an army in the east.
  • Period: 1185 to 1333

    Kamakura Period

    A period of time in which the Kamakura Shogunate ruled Japan.
  • Apr 25, 1185

    Battle of Dan-no-ura

    Minamoto destroys the Taira clan in a decisive victory, ending the Gempei war.
  • 1192

    Government Reform

    Beginning in 1192, Minamoto introduces new policies such as Shugo and Jito, that are designed to improve relations between the Kamakura shogunate and the government in Kyoto.
  • 1192

    Kamakura Shogunate is formed

    Giving each of his "Shugo" power over a specific province, Yoritomo maintained control of Japan, his Shugo acting as police, performing actions such as quashing rebellions and punishing murder. In 1192 it had been fully formed.
  • Feb 9, 1199

    Minamoto dies

    At the age of 52, Minamoto dies, leaving behind an empire that would rule for many years onward.
  • 1333

    Kamakura Period Ends

    The Kamakura Period comes to an end after the Ashikaga take over and replace the Kamakura shoguns.