The Battle of Yamazaki is one of the most famous battles in Japanese history. The epicenter of the battle is Yamazaki, which is closer to the south of Kyoto. The date of the battle is July 2, 1582. The battle took place two weeks later, when Akechi Mitsuhide attacked and killed Oda Nobunaga and thus took over Nobunaga's power, and power in the capital, Kyoto. At the same time, Nobunaga's generals were located in different parts of the empire. The ruler was surrounded only by a handful of samurai. The enemy knew this important fact and skillfully took advantage of the situation. However, further events unfolded according to a different scenario.
Mitsuhide did not expect that the generals would be so loyal to their former master and be able to quickly avenge him. He believed to the last that time and a long distance were on his side. An important role in this confrontation was occupied by Honno-ji-Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who, keeping the death of the leader a secret from enemies and friends, managed to advance his army 40 km towards Kyoto. Further, other commanders joined him.
At the same time, Mitsuhide did not know how to properly hold the castle. First, his troops were very tired. Secondly, the united army (Toyotomi's forces) was approaching at great speed. He was well aware that Hideyoshi's army was stronger and outnumbered. In such a situation, Mitsuhide began to ask his son-in-law and his father for help, but was refused. The reason for the refusal was that both samurai were outraged by the sudden attack on Nobunaga. They feared for their lives and the lives of their soldiers. In addition, many people from Mitsuhide's army deserted during this time. Thus, Mitsuhide was left on his own, without outside help.
He decided to meet the advancing army at Yamazaki. This location was chosen for several reasons. The most basic is the ability to retreat if necessary. Secondly, the place itself had a good location. On the one hand, the Yodo River, which protected the right flank, and on the other hand, Mount Tennozan, 270m high, it acted as a defense of the left flank.
According to Mitsuhide's calculation, castles and natural defenses were supposed to provide reliable cover for his troops and thereby give an advantage over a numerous enemy. He positioned his army behind a small river, which provided a good defensive position. However, the enemy also did not waste time. On the night of July 1, the enemy sent several ninja to Mitsuhide's camp. They set fire to buildings, and thereby dispelled panic, fear among the soldiers, depriving them of normal sleep.
The Battle of Yamazaki took place the very next morning. On the same day, the main battles began. Each army took up its battle positions. Already at the first stages, the enemy army took advantageous positions and surrounded Mitsuhide's people. At this time, many Mitsuhide warriors fled. Only 200 people remained at Mitsuhide's disposition, who were destroyed by Hideyoshi's forces during the battle. This ended the battle of Yamazaki. Mitsuhide first fled, and a little later was killed by a peasant warrior. Thus, the reign of Mitsuhide lasted only 13 days.
See also
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The Siege of Tihaya Castle
Tihaya Castle was built by Kusunoki Masashige on top of Mount Kongo, separated from the neighboring hills by a deep ravine. The terrain itself provided natural protection, making the position extremely convenient for defense.
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The Siege of Akasaka Fort
Kusunoki Masashige, hero of the Genko Rebellion (1331–1333), was a talented commander and inventive strategist. The two sieges of castles where he acted as defender are inscribed in gold letters in the history of Japanese military art.
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The Battle of Itinotani
After the death of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, the Genpei War entered its final phase, which is closely associated with the name of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. On March 13, 1184, he and his brother Noriyori set out to accomplish what their cousin had failed to do: deliver a final defeat to the Taira.
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The Battle of Uji 1180
Minamoto no Yorimasa did not need a special pretext for his growing hostility toward the Taira clan to turn into open rebellion. The court also included the discontented Prince Motohito, the second son of the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa. He had already been passed over twice in the selection of the heir to the throne. The second time this happened was in 1180, when the young Antoku was enthroned. Thus, Kiyomori, the head of the Taira clan, became the emperor's grandfather.
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The Battle of Shigisan
The conflict between the Soga and Mononobe clans, who were related to the imperial dynasty, arose on religious grounds. The Soga supported Buddhism, which had come from Korea, while the Mononobe remained faithful to Shintoism and fiercely opposed the spread of “foreign teachings.” Tensions reached a peak after the death of Emperor Yomei in 587.
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The Mongol invasion of Japan
At the end of the 13th century, Japan faced a danger far more serious than any internal strife. In 1271, the Yuan dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, established itself in China. His army was truly enormous: tens of thousands of soldiers — Chinese, Koreans, Jurchen, and especially Mongols, who had conquered the territory from Korea to Poland and from the northern taiga to Egypt. Only one country remained unconquered — Japan.
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The Genpei War
As early as the 8th century AD, Japanese emperors gradually lost their real power and became symbolic figures, under the complete control of the powerful Fujiwara clan. This clan, by marrying their daughters to emperors, effectively monopolized the government of the country: all key military and administrative positions were held by representatives of the Fujiwara.
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The Rebellion of Fujiwara no Hirotsugu
Fujiwara no Hirotsugu was the son of Fujiwara no Umakai, one of the most important court officials of the Nara period. By 740, the Fujiwara clan had held the reins of government for several decades. However, in 735–737, Japan suffered a severe trial: the country was hit by a devastating smallpox epidemic. It coincided with a series of crop failures, and together, disease and famine claimed the lives of about 40% of the population of the Japanese islands. The consequences were particularly tragic for the aristocracy. The mortality rate among the court nobility exceeded that among the common people. All four Fujiwara brothers, who held the most important positions at court — Umakai, Maro, Mutimaro, and Fusasaki — died.
