Heiji Rebellion

Timeline

1. 1156–1160Kyoto · KinkiAfter the Hōgen Rebellion, Fujiwara no Nobuyori grew arrogant over his merits and clashed increasingly with Taira no Kiyomori over court appointments. Minamoto no Yoshitomo, resentful that the Taira were favored while he was sidelined, allied with Nobuyori. In early 1160, when Kiyomori left on imperial orders to pilgrimage to Kumano, Nobuyori and Yoshitomo saw their chance and plotted a coup.
2. 1160Kyoto · KinkiOn the night of January 19, 1160, Nobuyori and Yoshitomo led troops in a surprise attack, placing retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa under house arrest in the inner palace and setting fire to Kiyomori's residence. Learning of this, Kiyomori led Taira samurai in a counterattack, fighting fiercely around Rokuhara. In early February Kiyomori's counteroffensive succeeded; Nobuyori's forces collapsed, and Yoshitomo fled to Ōmi, where he was killed by his own men en route.
3. 1160Kyoto · KinkiFujiwara no Nobuyori was captured and exiled, Minamoto no Yoshitomo was killed in battle, and his sons—Minamoto no Yoshiira, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and others—were forced to flee. Taira no Kiyomori was promoted to Grand Minister for his merits, the Taira monopolized key court posts, and warrior rule fell solely to the Taira. The surviving Minamoto forces in Kantō planted the seeds for the later Genpei War.