Emperor Kammu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kammu |
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| Emperor of Japan | |
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| Reign | 773–81 |
| Predecessor | Kōnin |
| Successor | Heizei |
| Born | 735 |
| Died | 5 February 806 (aged 70) |
| Burial | Kashiwabara no misasagi (Kyoto) |
Emperor Kammu (桓武天皇, Kammu-tennō, 737-806), also written as Kanmu, was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign started in 781 and ended in 806.
Kammu ws the first monarch of the Heian period of the history of Japan.
Contents
Traditional history
Before he became the monarch, this prince's personal name (imina) was Yamabe (山部).
Prince Yamabe was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe (later known as Emperor Kōnin). According to the Shoku Nihongi (続日本紀), Yamabe's mother was a descendant of King Muryeong of Baekje.
Kammu had 16 empresses and consorts, and 32 imperial sons and daughters. Among his sons were Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Emperor Junna.
Events of Kammu's life
Before he became the monarch, he was Crown Prince for eight years.
During his reign, Kammu tried to simplify the hierarchy and the functions of his government.
The capital of Japan was moved from Nara (Heijō-kyō) to Nagaoka (Nagaoka-kyō) in 784. The capital would be moved again in 794 to Kyoto (Heian-kyō).
Kammu named Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758-811) to lead a military expedition against the Emishi.
Timeline
- 737 (Tenpyō 9): Prince Yamabe was born.
- 773 (Hōki 4): Yamabe received the title of Crown Prince.
- 30 April 781 (Ten'ō 1, 3rd day of the 4th month): In the 11th year of Emperor Kōnin's reign, he abdicated. The succession (senso) was received by his son. Soon after, Emperor Kammu accepted the monarch's role and duties and powers (sokui). This was confirmed in ceremonies.
- 794 (Enryaku 13): When the capital was moved to Kyoto, the emperor's new home was named "Palace of Peace/Tranquility" (平安宮, Heian no Miya).
- 17 November 794 (Enryaku 13, 21st day of the 10th month): The emperor traveled by carriage to the new capital. He moved in a grand parade. This marks the beginning of the Heian period in Japanese history.
- 806 (Enryaku 25): Kammu died at the age of 70.
After his death
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the mausoleum (misasagi) of Kammu is in Kyoto. The emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine at this location.
Eras of reign
The years of Kammu's reign are identified by more than one era name (nengō).
Related pages
Images for kids
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Emperor Kanmu
See also
In Spanish: Kanmu Tennō para niños
