天武

Temmu (reigned 673-686) was a Japanese emperor who made several important reforms in the late 7th Century.

Temmu began life as Prince Oama, brother of Prince Naka who overthrew the Soga clan and restored direct imperial rule, ascending to the throne as Emperor Tenji. Naka had originally promised Oama would be his successor to the throne, but upon Naka's death Oama had to defeat Naka's son Prince Otomo in the Jinshin War to gain the throne.

As emperor Temmu, the former Prince Oama excercised near-absolute authority, and continued the policy of reform begun by Naka after the Taika coup.


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