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Taira (平) is a Japanese
surname.
In reference to
Japanese history, Along with
Minamoto, Taira was an honorary surname bestowed by the emperors of
the
Heian Period to the ex-member of the imperial family when they became
subjects. This Taira clan is often referred to as Heishi (平氏).
Some grandsons of
Emperor Kammu were first given the name Taira in 825 or later.
Afterwards, descendants of Emperor
Nimmyo,
Emperor Montoku, and
Emperor Koko were also given the surname. The specific hereditary
lines from these emperors is referred to by the emperor's name followed by
Heishi. i.e. Kammu Heishi
The
Kammu Heishi line proved to be the most strong and dominant line
during the late Heian period with
Taira no Kiyomori eventually forming the first
samurai dominated government in the history of Japan. The last of the
head family of the Kammu Heishi line was eventually destroyed by the
armies of
Minamoto no Yoritomo at the
Battle of Dannoura, the last battle of the
Gempei War.
The Kammu Heishi had many branch families including
Hojo,
Chiba,
Miura and
Hatakeyama.
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