Historical Timeline of Japan

In the prehistoric period Japan develop from hunters and gathers towards the Jomon period where the stone age starts. They start to live in groups, start using stones, bones as stone tools and jewellery and making pottery.The Yayoi period started during the Neolithic age, went through the Bronze Age and ended at the start of the Iron Age. They started new ways of making pottery and intensive rice cultivation in paddy fields. In the Kofun period, started to be ruled under a single kingdom. This period is known for the large burial mounds for the rulers.

During the Classical Japan, The Emperor of Japan ruled over the country and Buddhism was introduced to the country. In the Nara period, Chinese technology and culture was introduced and Buddhism became the state religion. In the Heian period, the imperial court reached the peak of their power and Buddhism, Taoism and Chinese influence were at its peak too.

In the Medieval period, Japan was ruled by the shogun while the imperial court maintained bureaucratic and religious roles. The Kamakura shogunate ruled from 1185 till 1333. This period give rise to samurai, warrior castles. They repelled 2 Mongol invasions but was greatly weaken and contributed to the shogunate's downfall. The Kamakura period ended with the Gempei War between the ruling Taira and Minamoto clan.

Muromachi Period started after the short 2 years Imperial rule. The Muromachi shogunate ruled till 1568 when Oda Nobunaga entered Kyoto and started the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

The Edo period started after Tokugawa Leyasu won the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. The Tokugawa shogunate ruled from Edo city till 1868 when they lost the Boshin war.