Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors .

Kamakura shogunate (1185-1333)

The leader of the Minamoto, Minamoto no Yoritomo, created a military dictatorship, the Kamakura shogunate. In essence, samurai now ran the country.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors 

Clans rise up

In the mid-12th century, it was not the emperor who held the most power, but the clans. In the great Gempei War (1180-1185), the Minamoto clan defeated the Taira, making them the dominant power in Japan.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors .

The samurai

The daimyos wanted the best warriors in the land, and so hired those who had Emishi and Heian training. They were called samurai because it means "those who serve."

Samurai stories : Japans elite warriors

Political friction

The Fujiwara clan pushed other wealthy clans away from the emperor. Consequently, these clans left the imperial court to establish power elsewhere. These powerful elites were called daimyos, and they needed protection from the imperial forces.

Samurai stories : Japans elite warriors

The Fujiwara clan

From the 8th to the end of the 11th century, the Fujiwara clan dominated the political system by marrying its daughters to the Japanese emperors.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors .

Absorption

These Emishi were the foundation of the samurai warrior. Heian soldiers wanted to learn these tactics, and so absorbed the Emishi people into their territory.

Samurai stories: Japan's elite warriors .

The Emishi

The Emishi people dwelled in the north of Japan. They were regarded as barbarians or, "the hairy ones." However, their fighting tactics were far superior to those of the rest of the country. They used archery and were able horsemen.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors

The beginning

During the Heian Period (794-1185 CE), Japan was not unified and faced battles from China and ethnic populations within the country.

The army was based on the Chinese Tang dynasty model, which was fairly immobile.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors

The history of the samurai is inextricably linked with the history of Japan. Not only were they brave warriors, but they were also politicians. They ruled feudal Japan for centuries, and carried out some of the most magnificent battles in the world .

Known for their discipline, honor, and loyalty, samurai are now part of the mystical stories surrounding the feudal history of Japan. But who were they really? How did they become some of the world's most skilled fighters? Where did they go?

To enter into the world of shoguns, swordplay, and honor, click through this gallery.