Minamoto clan

The Minamoto clan was one of Japan’s most prominent aristocratic families, founded in the late 9th century. They played a crucial role in Japanese history, especially during the late Heian period, often competing with the Taira clan for power. The Minamoto were key figures in the samurai class and helped establish the military government system. Their most notable achievement was their victory in the Gempei War (1180–1185), which led to the rise of the Kamakura shogunate, Japan’s first military government. The clan’s legacy influenced Japan’s political and military structure for centuries.