Hōgen Rebellion

Timeline

1. 1155–1156Kyoto · KinkiEmperor Konoe died young in 1155 without an heir; retired Emperor Sutoku wanted his son Prince Mochihito to succeed, while retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa strongly backed his own son Prince Morihita (later Emperor Nijō). The Fujiwara clan itself was also split, with Sutoku's side courting Fujiwara no Yorinaga and Go-Shirakawa's side relying on Fujiwara no Nobuyori; the conflict escalated to armed confrontation in the summer of 1156.
2. 1156Kyoto · KinkiOn July 28, 1156, Sutoku's forces rose in arms, and Fujiwara no Nobuyori and Minamoto no Yoshitomo led Go-Shirakawa's samurai in a counterattack. After several days of fierce fighting, the Sanjō Palace fell on August 11 and Sutoku's side was decisively defeated. Taira no Kiyomori took part with Taira samurai and won merit, while Minamoto no Yoshitomo also distinguished himself in battle.
3. 1156Kyoto · KinkiAfter the war, retired Emperor Sutoku was exiled to Sanuki Province, Fujiwara no Yorinaga was executed, and Prince Mochihito was disinherited. Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa took full control of the government, and Emperor Nijō ascended the throne. Though lasting only a little over ten days, the Hōgen Rebellion was the first time samurai arms decided an imperial succession, and warrior commanders like Taira no Kiyomori and Minamoto no Yoshitomo entered the core of power.