Emperor Kanmu

MedievalEmperorJapan737 — 806

Moved the capital to Heian-kyo establishing Kyoto.

Compare Emperor Kanmu with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

737

Died

806

Country

Japan

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)23

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)72

Legacy (20%)65

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)36

Total Score61.7

Emperor Kanmu — Complete Timeline

784 AD

Abandonment of Nagaoka-kyoPolitical Action

Emperor Kanmu abandoned the new capital at Nagaoka-kyo after only ten years, following a series of disasters and political intrigues, including the assassination of the chief architect. The move to Heian-kyo was motivated by a desire for a fresh start.

Nagaoka-kyoAbandonmentCapital

Impact: national

789 AD

Campaigns Against the EmishiWar◆ Major

Emperor Kanmu launched military campaigns to subdue the Emishi tribes in northern Honshu. Led by generals like Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the campaigns expanded Japanese control into the Tohoku region. The Emishi were eventually defeated or assimilated.

EmishiNorthern ExpansionTohoku

Impact: national

794 AD

Transfer of the Capital to Heian-kyoPolitical Action◆ Major

Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial capital from Nagaoka-kyo to Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto). The new city was laid out on a grid pattern modeled after Chang'an. This move established Kyoto as the imperial capital for over a thousand years.

CapitalHeian-kyoKyoto

Impact: nationalconstructive