Episode 5: The Heian Era

Did the Mongols get beaten by typhoons sent by the gods?

3 Helmi 201134min

2 Helmi 201119min

The names of Yoshitsune and Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan are legendary in Japanese history.  But how did they seize power from the Taira?  And how and why did they move the de facto capital to Kamakura and usher in a new age in Japanese governance.

1 Helmi 201123min

Taira Kiyomori  spared the lives of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune - two young children at the time - in order, allegedly, to sleep with their mother. Ewwwww.  But this is a cracking tale of revenge, bravery and betrayal.

1 Tammi 201121min

In this episode we discuss the near-irrevocable usurpation of power by the warrior class; the samurai.  For anyone thinking about going to Kyoto and Nara, lots of the places and names in this episode will make your trip a little more enjoyable!

1 Marras 201022min

Emperor Kammu builds Kyoto, gets pressured by a dead guy and the peasants do what they do best, get oppressed.  Here is the script

15 Elo 201027min

In this episode I discuss the construction of the huge temple complex in Nara, Todaiji, the domination of Buddhism and vengeance of Empress Shotoku.  Here is the script

26 Heinä 201025min