Heian Period

The first periodisation of the Heian period focuses on the rule of the emperor. This sub-period covers the events and developments that occurred between 794 to 967. To illustrate this sub-period, historians mainly focus on the reigns of Emperor Kammu (737-806) and his successors because they successfully promulgated a series of transformations in society (Hall, 1970; McCullough, 1980; Mason and Caiger, 1997; Hurst, 2007; Walker, 2016). Focus on these key figures is important because they defined the early parts of the Heian period. More importantly, the above figures consolidated power in at least three broad spheres: social, political and religious. Each area, which I will discuss in turn, laid the foundations for a stable imperial rule which