Heike clan

The Heike clan, also known as the Taira, was a powerful Japanese family and samurai group that played a central role during the late 12th century. They gained prominence as military leaders and governed parts of Japan, but their influence waned after their defeat by the Minamoto clan in the Genpei War (1180-1185). This conflict led to the rise of the Kamakura shogunate, marking the beginning of samurai-led government in Japan. The Heike are also known for their tragic fall, romanticized in Japanese literature and culture, symbolizing the impermanence of worldly power.