Asuka Period

Definition

The Asuka Period (Asuka Jidai) of ancient Japan covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the Kofun Period (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period begins in 593 CE, and for art historians the end of the Asuka Period is dated to 645 CE. The period saw an increase in Japan's contact with other regional powers, the rule of such famous figures as Prince Shotoku, the establishment of the powerful Fujiwara clan, and the adoption of Buddhism. It was followed by the Nara Period (710-794 CE).

More about: Asuka Period

Timeline

  • c. 250 CE - 710 CE
    The Yamato Period in ancient Japan, consisting of the Kofun Period and Asuka Period.
  • c. 531 CE - 571 CE
    Reign of Emperor Kimmei in Japan.
  • 535 CE - 539 CE
    Reign of Emperor Senka in Japan.
  • 538 CE - 710 CE
    The Asuka Period in ancient Japan.
  • 538 CE
    Alternative date to 552 CE for the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
  • 552 CE
    Traditional date for the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
  • 572 CE - 585 CE
    Reign of Emperor Bidatsu in Japan.
  • 585 CE - 587 CE
    Reign of Emperor Yomei in Japan.
  • 587 CE - 592 CE
    Reign of Emperor Sushun in Japan.
  • 587 CE
    The Soga clan establish control of government in Japan.
  • 592 CE - 628 CE
    Reign of Empress Suiko, Japan's first empress.
  • 593 CE
    The Shitennoji Buddhist temple is built in Japan.
  • 594 CE - 622 CE
    Reign of Prince Shotoku as regent for Japanese Empress Suiko.
  • 596 CE
    The Hokoji Buddhist temple is built in Japan.
  • 604 CE
    Prince Shotoku draws up his Seventeen Article Constitution in Japan.
  • c. 607 CE
    Prince Shotoku of Japan sends the first of many official embassies to Sui China.
  • 607 CE
    The Horyuji Buddhist temple is built in Nara, Japan during the reign of Regent Prince Shotoku.
  • 629 CE - 641 CE
    Reign of Emperor Jomei in Japan.
  • 642 CE - 645 CE
    Reign of Empress Kogyoku in Japan.
  • 645 CE - 654 CE
    Reign of Emperor Kotoku in Japan.
  • 645 CE
    The Japanese capital is moved from Asuka to Naniwa.
  • 645 CE
    Fujiwara no Kamatari leads a coup d'etat in Japan, removing the Soga clan from power.
  • 655 CE - 661 CE
    Reign of Empress Saimei in Japan.
  • 661 CE - 671 CE
    Reign of Emperor Tenji in Japan.
  • 671 CE - 672 CE
    Reign of Emperor Kobun in Japan.
  • 671 CE - 672 CE
    The Jinshin Incident in Japan which establishes Temmu as emperor.
  • 672 CE - 686 CE
    Reign of Emperor Temmu in Japan.
  • 686 CE - 697 CE
    Reign of Empress Jito in Japan.
  • 694 CE - 710 CE
    Fujiwarakyo is made the Japanese capital.
  • 697 CE - 707 CE
    Reign of Emperor Mommu in Japan.
  • 707 CE - 715 CE
    Reign of Empress Gemmei in Japan.
  • 708 CE
    Japan's first coinage, the Wado kaiho, is introduced.
  • 710 CE
    The Japanese capital is moved from Fujiwara-kyo to Nara (aka Heijokyo).
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