Emperor Antoku

Reign: 1180 – 1185
Life: 1178–1185

His death marked the end of the Heian period and the beginning of the Kamakura period. During this time, the Imperial House of Japan was involved in a bitter struggle between warring clans. During the climactic sea Battle of Dan-no-ura in April 1185, Antoku's grandmother Taira no Tokiko took him and plunged with him into the water in the Shimonoseki Straits, drowning the child emperor rather than allowing him to be captured by the opposing forces. Antoku's tomb is said to be located in a number of places around western Japan, including the island of Iōjima, a result of the spreading of legends about the emperor and the battle.

During Emperor Antoku's reign, Henry II of England ruled England, Alfonso VIII of Castile ruled Spain, and Afonso I of Portugal ruled Portugal.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Antoku

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