Echoes of History Samurai or Shinobi: Who Really Ruled Medieval Japan?
Feb 27, 2025
This time, Eric Rath, a historian from the University of Kansas, takes us deep into the world of samurai and shinobi. He discusses the power dynamics of 16th century Japan, revealing how samurai warlords navigated loyalty amid chaos. Eric explains the unique role of women in the Sengoku period and the intriguing Iga warrior leagues. He also unveils common misconceptions about ninjas and their weapons compared to samurai. It's a rich exploration of culture, politics, and the legacies of these legendary warriors.
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Iga Shinobi Ambush
- In 1579, Oda Nobukatsu led samurai to crush the Iga province shinobi.
- The shinobi used guerilla tactics and knowledge of their mountainous terrain to ambush the samurai army.
Power in 16th-Century Japan
- The Emperor held limited power in 16th-century Japan, despite the symbolic authority.
- Real power lay with regional warlords (daimyo) like Oda Nobunaga, not the Emperor or even the Shogun.
Warring States Period
- The Warring States period arose from the decentralization of power among daimyo.
- Daimyo controlled their territories through military might, needing large armies and constant vigilance.