Samurai were a warrior class in pre-industrial Japan.
Their role in Japan history and culture changed over time.
Heian period (794. - 1185.)
Until this period samurai's were not such an important part and had little influence. They were usually hired by landlords for protection.
At the end of the period, two most powerful clans, Taira and Minamoto fought each other in order to take over the country.
Kamakura period (1192. - 1333.)
In 1192. a new military government was established by Minamoto clan after they defeated Taira. Minamoto Yoritomo became a shogun and ruled Japan.
Muromachi Period (1333. - 1573.)
During this period there were many clans fighting, and the demand for samurai was at its highest. Some samurai were working also on rice fields and farms.
Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573. - 1603.)
After the clans united, a social caste system was introduced and later completed by Tokugawa Leyasu, which required samurai to decide whether they want to work on farms, or be warriors working in towns. Only samurai were allowed to wear swords.
Edo Period (1603. - 1868.)
Samurai had the most influence in Edo period. They lived in towns and received payment in form of rice.
After the defeat of Tokugawa's last enemy in 1615., relative peace prevailed for almost 250 years, thus samurai's services were less and less in demand. Most of them became poets, polititians or artists.
In 1868. pre-industrial era ended, and the samurai were abolished.
|