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Period: 710 to 794
Nara period
710
The first official capital of Japan is based in the city of Nara; the imperial family - led by a series of emperors or empresses - rules over Japan during this time. -
Period: 794 to 1185
Heian period
794
Under orders form emperor Kammu, the capital of Japan moves to the city of Heian-Kyo (modern-day Kyoto). It remains the official capital of Japan for the net 1000 years. -
Period: 1185 to 1333
Kamakura period
1185
The minamoto clan seizes power from the emperor. Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes shogun and establishes his own capital city in Kamakura. With support from daimyo (Lords) and samurai (Warriors), a series of shoguns rules Japan for the next 700 years. -
1274
1st Mongol Army attack
The mongol army launches an attack on Japan, landing on the island of Kyushu. A typhoon destroys many of their ships and the mission fails. -
1281
2nd mongol army attack
The Mongol Army launches a second attack on Japan, landing once again on the island of Kyushu. For the second time a typhoon hits, destroying almost all Mongol ships, and the invasion fails. -
1333
Emperor Go-Diago
Emperor Go-Diago overthrows the Kamakura shogunate and takes back power from the shogun for a brief period. -
Period: 1336 to 1573
Muromachi period
1336
Ashikaga Takauji seizes power from Emperor Go-Diago to become the new Shogun. -
1467
Warring states civil war
A period of civil war, known as the warring states period, begins in Japan between rival warlords. It lasts for around 100 years -
Period: 1573 to
Azuchi-Momoyama period