Heian period

Heian period was a state in Japan (East Asia) that lasted from 794 to 1185 CE, about 391 years. Its people spoke Japonic languages (Japanese, Ryukyuan).

The court at Kyoto, dominated by the Fujiwara regents, produced kana script and Murasaki Shikibu's Tale of Genji. Provincial warrior clans grew powerful, and the Genpei War between the Taira and Minamoto ended the period.

See Heian period on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: 794 to 1185 CE
Duration: 391 years
Type: State
Region: Japan, East Asia
Language family: Japonic
Capital: Heian-kyo (Kyoto)

Came from

Nara period 710 to 794 CE

Became

Kamakura shogunate 1185 to 1333 CE

Events in East Asia during its time

868 Diamond Sutra printed
1044 Gunpowder formula recorded
1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura

Neighbours in East Asia

Tang dynasty 618 to 907 CE
Northern Song 960 to 1127 CE
Goryeo 918 to 1392 CE
Unified Silla 668 to 935 CE
Balhae 698 to 926 CE
Tibetan Empire 618 to 842 CE
Liao dynasty 916 to 1125 CE
Western Xia 1038 to 1227 CE
Nanzhao 738 to 902 CE
Southern Song 1127 to 1279 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia

Questions

When did Heian period exist?

794 to 1185 CE, about 391 years.

Where was Heian period?

Japan, in East Asia. Its capital was Heian-kyo (Kyoto).

What language did Heian period speak?

Japonic. This family includes Japanese, Ryukyuan.

What came before Heian period?

Nara period.

What came after Heian period?

Kamakura shogunate.