Genpei War

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning Assassin's Creed: Shadows. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article 20 June 2025.

The Genpei War (源平合戦, 1180–1185) was a pivotal conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan. Marking the end of the Heian period, it led to the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, Japan’s first military government. During the first year of the conflict, the Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple burned to the ground, something that greatly upset the then-deposed Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The War also gave rise to the legend of Taira no Atsumori, a young boy soldier who died during the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani of 1184, and had his story immortalized.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Shadows (mentioned in Database entry only)