Yamatai

Yamatai was a state in Japan (East Asia) that lasted from c. 180 to 266 CE, about 86 years. Its people spoke Japonic languages (Japanese, Ryukyuan).

The country of Queen Himiko, described in the Chinese Records of Wei as head of some thirty Wa states. She sent envoys to the Wei court in 239; its location, in Kyushu or the Nara basin, is still debated.

See Yamatai on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 180 to 266 CE
Duration: 86 years
Type: State
Region: Japan, East Asia
Language family: Japonic

Events in East Asia during its time

184 Yellow Turban rebellion

Neighbours in East Asia

Eastern Han 25 to 220 CE
Silla 57 BCE to 668 CE
Goguryeo 37 BCE to 668 CE
Baekje 18 BCE to 660 CE
Kofun period c. 250 to 538 CE
Eastern Wu 229 to 280 CE
Western Jin 266 to 316 CE
Cao Wei 220 to 266 CE
Shu Han 221 to 263 CE
Zhangzhung c. 500 BCE to 644 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
Teotihuacan c. 100 BCE to 550 CE, Mesoamerica and Caribbean
Parthian Empire 247 BCE to 224 CE, Middle East
Sasanian Empire 224 to 651 CE, Middle East
Roman Empire 27 BCE to 395 CE, Europe
Kushan Empire c. 30 to 375 CE, South Asia

Questions

When did Yamatai exist?

c. 180 to 266 CE, about 86 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Yamatai?

Japan, in East Asia.

What language did Yamatai speak?

Japonic. This family includes Japanese, Ryukyuan.