Timeline of Minamoto Yoritomo

By Caleb Nish
  • 1147

    Minamoto no Yoritomo is born in Kyoto

  • 1156

    The Hogen Rebelion

    Disturbance breaks out and Minamoto no Yoritomo's grandfather is killed, making his father the leader of the Seiwa Genji branch of the Minamoto clan, and making Yoritomo the heir.
  • 1158

    Minamoto becomes a Court Administrator

    At the age of 12, Minamoto no Yoritomo receives his first position and becomes a court administrator.
  • 1159

    Heiji Rebellion

    Minamoto's father is killed, and he becomes the leader, however the Taira, who are in charge of the capital, send him into exile. He ends up in Izu in the Kanto Plains
  • 1169

    Minamoto is kicked out of Izu

    Minamoto no Yoritomo is kicked out of Izu for having an affair with his captor's daughter, and is taken in by Hojo Tokimasa.
  • 1179

    Minamoto marries Hojo Masako

    It was discovered that Yoritomo has been having another affair, this the with Hojo Masako, Hojo Tokimasa's daughter. This time, however, the father welcomes it and kills Hojo Masako's fiancé to make room for Minamoto no Yoritomo. They marry.
  • 1180

    The Genpei War begins.

    A prince in Kyoto calls for help to eliminate the Taira, and Hojo Tokimasa and Minamoto no Yoritomo respond. They go to Kyoto to meet the price and ally with him.
  • 1181

    Minamoto builds a new Captial.

    Minamoto no Yoritomo builds a new capital in the Kanto Plians, Kamkura. The leader of the Taira clan dies, and his son becomes leader. Minamoto no Yoritomo offers peace, but the Taira refuse. Yoritomo takes Kyoto with the help of a 'Board of Retainers' which he founds to keep control, however not all of his relatives agree with his leadership.
  • 1184

    Minamoto and his allies take back Kyoto again.

  • 1185

    Minamoto wins his biggest battle.

    On April 24th, Minamoto no Yoritomo wins his biggest battle, and all of the remaining Taira clan are either killed or drown while trying to escape.
  • 1192

    Minamoto becomes Shogun

    The last of the conspirators against Minamoto no Yoritomo die, and he takes the title of shogun upon himself.
  • 1199

    Minamoto dies.

    Minamoto no Yoritomo dies of a serious illness at the age of 52