From primordial seas to imperial capitals: the long evolution of ancient Japan
In short: Ancient Japan spans from the fifteenth century BCE to the medieval era. This overview tracks the progression of early Japanese history, defined by distinct cultural shifts, monumental architecture, and the emergence of foundational religious texts that shaped the nation's identity.
The timeline of ancient Japan begins with the Jōmon period, famous for producing the world's oldest pottery. Following this, the Yayoi period emerged, succeeded by the Kofun period, which is defined by elite burial mounds similar to those found on the Korean Peninsula. The Asuka period saw the influential regency of Prince Shotoku, who died in 622 CE.
The subsequent Nara period was a golden age for literature, yielding the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which document Shinto creation myths and royal lineages. The era concluded with the Heian period (794–1185 CE), centered in the capital of Heiankyo, known today as Kyoto. Throughout this history, Shinto served as the traditional religion, featuring myths such as the creation of the islands by the gods Izanagi and Izanami.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Introduction to the History of Ancient Japan
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