Your American History Reference Guide!
- Northern Fujiwara

HistoryMania Information Site on Northern Fujiwara American History American History Search        American History Browse welcome to our free resource site for all enthusiasts!

Northern Fujiwara

The Northern Fujiwara (奥州藤原氏 Ōshū Fujiwara-shi) is a family that ruled the Northeastern (Tohoku) region of Japan from the 12th to the 13th centuries, ultimately conquered by the Kanto warriors lead by Minamoto no Yoritomo. They succeeded the semi-independent Emishi families of the 11th century who were successively brought down by the Minamoto clan loyal to the Imperial throne based in Kyoto.

During the 12th Century, during the zenith of their rule, they attracted a number of artisans from Kyoto and created a magnificent capital city, Hiraizumi, in what is now Iwate prefecture. They ruled over an independent kingdom that derived its wealth from gold mining, horse trading and as middlemen in the trade in luxury items from continental Asian states and the far northern Emishi and nascent Ainu states. They were able to keep their independence vis-a-vis Kyoto by the strength of their warrior bands until they were overwhelmed by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1189.

The contents of this article are licensed from Wikipedia.org under the
GNU Free Documentation License. How to see transparent copy
Search | Browse | Contact | Legal info