Samurai - Revision history

Cian at 03:22, 21 May 2009

2009-05-21T03:22:43Z

User 144: /* Combat */

2008-01-06T20:35:05Z

Combat

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:35, 7 January 2008
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	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.

	Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized by some families and schools. Others considered the wearing of such to be an insult.		Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized by some families and schools. Tokugowa Iiejyasu (the Shogun who united all of Japan) wore armour that was originally foreign. Others considered the wearing of such to be an insult.

	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==

Saitotakauji: /* Famous Samurai */

2007-12-21T08:18:22Z

Famous Samurai

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 21 December 2007
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	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==
	'''Oda Nobunaga''' - A warlord with a well deserved reputation for brutality, he slaughtered 45,000 men women and children over the course of three days during the Ikko-Ikki rebellions. Nonetheless he is still referred to as the first of the Three Unifiers for the strides he took to conquer Japan.		'''Oda Nobunaga''' - A warlord with a well deserved reputation for brutality, he slaughtered 45,000 men women and children over the course of three days during the Ikko-Ikki rebellions. Nonetheless he is still referred to as the first of the Three Unifiers for the strides he took to conquer Japan.
⚫	'''Toyotomi Hideyoshi''' - Though he became a Samurai and was close to being the Shogun himself and eliminating the need for Ieyasu, Toyotomi was born a peasant and rose from being Nobunaga's sandal carrier to his General, and then his successor. United nearly all of Japan, took the title of Regent and then Taiko (retired Regent) for his son Hideyori, waged two unsuccessful wars on Korea, and was ultimately made in to a Shinto god. He was never made a Shogun because of his birth as a peasant, and could not find a family with a history of Shogun in their past (Hojo or Ashikaga) to adopt him. Because of this, and because his death left his infant son on an untenable throne, he is known as the Second of the Three Unifiers.
⚫	*''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - A warlord who served under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, he was appointed to the council of regents to protect Hideyori until the boy came of age. Due to ambition and political maneuvering he found himself in Rebellion toward the close of the 16th Century. In 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, where two hundred thousand warriors took the field, he finally finished the job started by his predecessors and became Shogun of a unified Japan. He is known as the last of the Three Unifiers.
⚫	*''Mushashi Miyamoto'' - believed to be the greatest swordsman and developer of the ''niten'' (twin sword style) of Japanese swordsmanship, supposedly after viewing two [[Portugal\|Portugese]] [[sailor\|sailors]] sparring with [[rapier]] and [[main gauche]].

		⚫	'''Toyotomi Hideyoshi''' - Though he became a Samurai and was close to being the Shogun himself and eliminating the need for Ieyasu, Toyotomi was born a peasant and rose from being Nobunaga's sandal carrier to his General, and then his successor. United nearly all of Japan, took the title of Regent and then Taiko (retired Regent) for his son Hideyori, waged two unsuccessful wars on Korea, and was ultimately made in to a Shinto god. He was never made a Shogun because of his birth as a peasant, and could not find a family with a history of Shogun in their past (Hojo or Ashikaga) to adopt him. Because of this, and because his death left his infant son on an untenable throne, he is known as the Second of the Three Unifiers. He is the one who codified the classes as they would be during the high age of the Samurai (1600-1862), ironically making it impossible for a peasant to become a Samurai as he had.

		⚫	''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - A warlord who served under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, he was appointed to the council of regents to protect Hideyori until the boy came of age. Due to ambition and political maneuvering he found himself in Rebellion toward the close of the 16th Century. In 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, where two hundred thousand warriors took the field, he finally finished the job started by his predecessors and became Shogun of a unified Japan. He is known as the last of the Three Unifiers. His family would rule Japan as Shoguns for 262 years until the Meiji Restoration restored power to the Emperor.

		⚫	''Mushashi Miyamoto'' - believed to be the greatest swordsman and developer of the ''niten'' (twin sword style) of Japanese swordsmanship, supposedly after viewing two [[Portugal\|Portugese]] [[sailor\|sailors]] sparring with [[rapier]] and [[main gauche]].

	== Japanese Knights and Masters of the [[SCA]] ==		== Japanese Knights and Masters of the [[SCA]] ==

Saitotakauji: /* Combat */

2007-12-21T08:16:25Z

Combat

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 21 December 2007
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	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.

	Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized.		Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized by some families and schools. Others considered the wearing of such to be an insult.

	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==

Saitotakauji at 08:15, 21 December 2007

2007-12-21T08:15:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 21 December 2007
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	The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that ~~last~~ up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. ~~The~~ ~~samurai~~ ~~were~~ ~~required~~ to ~~serve~~ a ~~lord~~ ~~[[daimyo]]~~ and ~~were~~ ~~expected~~ to ~~fight~~ and if ~~necessary~~ ~~die~~ in ~~his~~ ~~service.~~ ~~Samurai~~ ~~are~~ ~~often~~ ~~refered~~ to as Samurai ~~Knights~~ ~~due~~ to ~~their~~ ~~parallels~~ with the ~~Western~~ ~~[[knight]]~~.		The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] established in the late 16th Century that lasted up until it was abolished with the Meiji Restoration of the 19th Century, which restored power to the Emperor over the Shogun and introduced Democratic reforms in to the society. Though it was formally and rigidly stratified only in the late 1500s, there did exist proto-Samurai as early as 1185 and the military Bakufu government of Minamoto Yoritomo, first ruling Shogun of Japan. The Japanese name for the military aristocracy was the 'Buke'; a member of the Buke was a Samurai. This is in contrast with the Kuge, or the court Aristocracy.

			A majority of the class were warriors, living and dying in combat; however there is a myth that they are an Eastern analogue of the European knight, which is untrue. There were Samurai who never saw a battle field, who were more renowned as painters or philosophers than they were as warriors, or who never even learned to fight.
	The word samurai means 'to serve' and is a later term that was preceded by the term 'bushi'. Early words for samurai refer to their use of the [[bow]] as a primary [[weapon]] in [[combat]].

			The major difference between the two is that Knight is not a social class, whereas Samurai is. A Knight's wife, at least in the English system, is referred to as Lady but is not truly a Lady herself, nor is she a Knight. A Knight's children are not automatically members of the Knighthood. A Samurai's wife is a Samurai, and a Samurai's children are Samurai. A Samurai was expected to, as he grew older, take a wife and father children to continue the clan. Contrary to belief, a Samurai was never actively discouraged from marrying, as the large scale warfare of the twelfth through 17th centuries would have depleted the population rather dramatically.
	Samurai were expected to be [[education\|educated]] and artistic, and above all loyal to their [[lord]]. It was not forbidden, but frowned upon to take a wife. The adoption of another into the samurai's family was an accepted practise and samurai could often change their names if they saw fit.

	A lower class of samurai existed called the ashigaru (light feet) and formed the bulk of fighting [[soldier\|armies]] in the Warring States Period.

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==
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	With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.		With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.

	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought ~~reelatively~~ few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most ~~recognisable~~ [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.

	Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized.		Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized.

	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==
			'''Oda Nobunaga''' - A warlord with a well deserved reputation for brutality, he slaughtered 45,000 men women and children over the course of three days during the Ikko-Ikki rebellions. Nonetheless he is still referred to as the first of the Three Unifiers for the strides he took to conquer Japan.
	*''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - united Japan under his shogunate with his major victory at Sekigahara where 200,000 samurai took the field.
			'''Toyotomi Hideyoshi''' - Though he became a Samurai and was close to being the Shogun himself and eliminating the need for Ieyasu, Toyotomi was born a peasant and rose from being Nobunaga's sandal carrier to his General, and then his successor. United nearly all of Japan, took the title of Regent and then Taiko (retired Regent) for his son Hideyori, waged two unsuccessful wars on Korea, and was ultimately made in to a Shinto god. He was never made a Shogun because of his birth as a peasant, and could not find a family with a history of Shogun in their past (Hojo or Ashikaga) to adopt him. Because of this, and because his death left his infant son on an untenable throne, he is known as the Second of the Three Unifiers.
⚫	*''Mushashi Miyamoto'' - believed to be the greatest swordsman and developer of the ''~~nito~~'' (twin sword style) of Japanese swordsmanship, supposedly after viewing two [[Portugal\|Portugese]] [[sailor\|sailors]] sparring with [[rapier]] and [[main gauche]].
			*''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - A warlord who served under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, he was appointed to the council of regents to protect Hideyori until the boy came of age. Due to ambition and political maneuvering he found himself in Rebellion toward the close of the 16th Century. In 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, where two hundred thousand warriors took the field, he finally finished the job started by his predecessors and became Shogun of a unified Japan. He is known as the last of the Three Unifiers.
		⚫	*''Mushashi Miyamoto'' - believed to be the greatest swordsman and developer of the ''niten'' (twin sword style) of Japanese swordsmanship, supposedly after viewing two [[Portugal\|Portugese]] [[sailor\|sailors]] sparring with [[rapier]] and [[main gauche]].



Line 43:		Line 44:
	*Koga Yoshitsune		*Koga Yoshitsune
	*Takamatsu Sadamitsu no kami Tadayoshi		*Takamatsu Sadamitsu no kami Tadayoshi
	*Sekimura no Minamoto Akiranaga (Alexandyr)		*Sekimura no Minamoto Akiranaga (Alexandyr MacAndrew)
	*Sato Jiro of the House of Kuji		*Sato Jiro of the House of Kuji
	*Oikawa Katsu		*Oikawa Katsu

Paul Matisz: Reverted edits by 194.83.70.20 (Talk); changed back to last version by Sarah Van Der Goes

2007-11-11T04:54:39Z

Reverted edits by 194.83.70.20 (Talk); changed back to last version by Sarah Van Der Goes

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 11 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	c4trolracer
	The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].		The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].

194.83.70.20 at 22:34, 10 November 2007

2007-11-10T22:34:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 11 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
			c4trolracer
	The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].		The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].

Sarah Van Der Goes: added category

2007-07-11T20:11:34Z

added category

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:11, 12 July 2007
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	*Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono		*Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono
	*Kitakaze Tatsu Raito		*Kitakaze Tatsu Raito

			[[category:japan]]

Cian: links

2006-06-23T04:00:26Z

links

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 23 June 2006
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	The word samurai means 'to serve' and is a later term that was preceded by the term 'bushi'. Early words for samurai refer to their use of the [[bow]] as a primary [[weapon]] in [[combat]].		The word samurai means 'to serve' and is a later term that was preceded by the term 'bushi'. Early words for samurai refer to their use of the [[bow]] as a primary [[weapon]] in [[combat]].

	Samurai were expected to be educated and artistic, and above all loyal to their lord. It was not forbidden, but frowned upon to take a wife. The adoption of another into the samurai's family was an accepted practise and samurai could often change their names if they saw fit.		Samurai were expected to be [[education\|educated]] and artistic, and above all loyal to their [[lord]]. It was not forbidden, but frowned upon to take a wife. The adoption of another into the samurai's family was an accepted practise and samurai could often change their names if they saw fit.

	A lower class of samurai existed called the ashigaru (light feet) and formed the bulk of fighting [[soldier\|armies]] in the Warring States Period.		A lower class of samurai existed called the ashigaru (light feet) and formed the bulk of fighting [[soldier\|armies]] in the Warring States Period.

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==
	Combat was often conducted from horseback using ''naginata'' ([[glaive]]), ''yari'' ([[spear]]) and ''[[tachi]]'' (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The ''uchigatana'' or ''[[katana]]'' was developed and to some extent replaced the [[tachi]]. With the end of the Warring States Period the [[katana]] became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular mythology, the katana was not the primary melee [[weapon]] of the samurai during war. That role was taken by ''naginata'' and ''yari''. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.		Combat was often conducted from horseback using ''naginata'' ([[glaive]]), ''yari'' ([[spear]]) and ''[[tachi]]'' (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The ''uchigatana'' or ''[[katana]]'' was developed and to some extent replaced the [[tachi]]. With the end of the Warring States Period the [[katana]] became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular [[mythology]], the katana was not the primary [[melee]] [[weapon]] of the samurai during [[war]]. That role was taken by ''naginata'' and ''yari''. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.

	Generals [[daimyo]] often directed battle from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by mounted samurai. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.		Generals [[daimyo]] often directed [[battle]] from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by [[cavalry\|mounted samurai]]. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.

	With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.		With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.

	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought reelatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognisable symbol of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai drama and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought reelatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognisable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.

	Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a lacquer. This [[armour]] was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore [[armour]] made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized.		Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized.

	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==
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	== Japanese Knights and Masters of the SCA ==		== Japanese Knights and Masters of the [[SCA]] ==
	*Rakkurai of Kamakura		*Rakkurai of Kamakura
	*Fuyuzuru Tadashi		*Fuyuzuru Tadashi

User 144 at 10:19, 15 May 2006

2006-05-15T10:19:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 15 May 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].		The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] that last up until it was abolished by the Meiji Restoration. The samurai were required to serve a lord [[daimyo]] and were expected to fight and if necessary die in his service. Samurai are often refered to as Samurai Knights due to their parallels with the Western [[knight]].

	The word samurai means 'to serve' and is a later term that was preceded by the term 'bushi'. Early words for samurai refer to their use of the [[bow]] as a primary weapon in combat.		The word samurai means 'to serve' and is a later term that was preceded by the term 'bushi'. Early words for samurai refer to their use of the [[bow]] as a primary [[weapon]] in [[combat]].

	Samurai were expected to be educated and artistic, and above all loyal to their lord. It was not forbidden, but frowned upon to take a wife. The adoption of another into the samurai's family was an accepted practise and samurai could often change their names if they saw fit.		Samurai were expected to be educated and artistic, and above all loyal to their lord. It was not forbidden, but frowned upon to take a wife. The adoption of another into the samurai's family was an accepted practise and samurai could often change their names if they saw fit.

	A lower class of samurai existed called the ashigaru (light feet) and formed the bulk of fighting armies in the Warring States Period.		A lower class of samurai existed called the ashigaru (light feet) and formed the bulk of fighting [[soldier\|armies]] in the Warring States Period.

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==
	Combat was often conducted from horseback using naginata ([[glaive]]), yari ([[spear]]) and [[tachi]] (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The uchigatana or [[katana]] was developed and to some extent replaced the [[tachi]]. With the end of the Warring States Period the [[katana]] became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular mythology, the katana was not the primary melee [[weapon]] of the samurai during war. That role was taken by naginata and yari. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.		Combat was often conducted from horseback using ''naginata'' ([[glaive]]), ''yari'' ([[spear]]) and ''[[tachi]]'' (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The ''uchigatana'' or ''[[katana]]'' was developed and to some extent replaced the [[tachi]]. With the end of the Warring States Period the [[katana]] became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular mythology, the katana was not the primary melee [[weapon]] of the samurai during war. That role was taken by ''naginata'' and ''yari''. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.

	Generals [[daimyo]] often directed battle from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by mounted samurai. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.		Generals [[daimyo]] often directed battle from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by mounted samurai. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.

	With the introduction of the tanegashima (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.		With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.

	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought reelatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognisable symbol of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai drama and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began wars became less common in Japan and the samurai fought reelatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognisable symbol of the class. During this time, the swords arts underwent a change in focus from war to duelling. It is from this time most samurai drama and popularly mythology has developed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:22, 21 May 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''samurai''' was a class of society in [[Japan]] established in the late 16th Century that lasted up until it was abolished with the Meiji Restoration of the 19th Century, which restored power to the Emperor over the Shogun and introduced Democratic reforms in to the society. Though it was formally and rigidly stratified only in the late 1500s, there did exist proto-Samurai as early as 1185 and the military Bakufu government of Minamoto Yoritomo, first ruling Shogun of Japan. The Japanese name for the military aristocracy was the 'Buke'; a member of the Buke was a Samurai. This is in contrast with the Kuge, or the court Aristocracy.		The '''samurai''' was a [[social class\|class]] of society in [[Japan]] established in the late [[16th Century]] that lasted up until it was abolished with the Meiji Restoration of the [[19th Century]], which restored power to the [[Emperor]] over the Shogun and introduced [[democracy\|Democratic]] reforms in to the society. Though it was formally and rigidly stratified only in the late 1500s, there did exist proto-Samurai as early as 1185 and the military Bakufu government of Minamoto Yoritomo, first ruling Shogun of Japan. The Japanese name for the military [[aristocracy]] was the 'Buke'; a member of the Buke was a Samurai. This is in contrast with the Kuge, or the [[court]] Aristocracy.

	A majority of the class were warriors, living and dying in combat; however there is a myth that they are an Eastern analogue of the ~~European~~ knight, which is untrue. There were Samurai who never saw a battle field, who were more renowned as painters or philosophers than they were as warriors, or who never even learned to fight.		A majority of the class were warriors, living and dying in combat; however there is a myth that they are an Eastern analogue of the [[Europe]]an [[knight]], which is untrue. There were Samurai who never saw a [[field\|battle field]], who were more renowned as [[painting\|painters]] or philosophers than they were as warriors, or who never even learned to fight.

	The major difference between the two is that Knight is not a social class, whereas Samurai is. A Knight's wife, at least in the English system, is referred to as Lady but is not truly a Lady herself, nor is she a Knight. A Knight's children are not automatically members of the Knighthood. A Samurai's wife is a Samurai, and a Samurai's children are Samurai. A Samurai was expected to, as he grew older, take a wife and father children to continue the clan. Contrary to belief, a Samurai was never actively discouraged from marrying, as the large scale warfare of the twelfth through 17th centuries would have depleted the population rather dramatically.		The major difference between the two is that Knight is not a social class, whereas Samurai is. A Knight's wife, at least in the [[England\|English]] system, is referred to as [[Lady]] but is not truly a Lady herself, nor is she a Knight. A Knight's children are not automatically members of the Knighthood. A Samurai's wife is a Samurai, and a Samurai's children are Samurai. A Samurai was expected to, as he grew older, take a wife and father children to continue the clan. Contrary to belief, a Samurai was never actively discouraged from [[marriage\|marrying]], as the large scale warfare of the [[12th century\|twelfth]] through [[17th century\|seventeenth centuries]] would have depleted the population rather dramatically.

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==
	Combat was often conducted from horseback using ''naginata'' ([[glaive]]), ''yari'' ([[spear]]) and ''[[tachi]]'' (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The ''uchigatana'' or ''[[katana]]'' was developed and to some extent replaced the [[tachi]]. With the end of the Warring States Period the [[katana]] became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular [[mythology]], the katana was not the primary [[melee]] [[weapon]] of the samurai during [[war]]. That role was taken by ''naginata'' and ''yari''. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.		Combat was often conducted from horseback using ''naginata'' ([[glaive]]), ''yari'' ([[spear]]) and ''[[tachi]]'' (a longer version of the [[katana]]). The ''uchigatana'' or ''katana'' was developed and to some extent replaced the tachi. With the end of the Warring States Period the katana became the primary [[sword]] of the samurai. Despite popular [[mythology]], the katana was not the primary [[melee]] [[weapon]] of the samurai during [[war]]. That role was taken by ''naginata'' and ''yari''. However, the [[sword]] was the symbol of the samurai.

	Generals [[daimyo]] often directed [[battle]] from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by [[cavalry\|mounted samurai]]. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.		Generals [[daimyo]] often directed [[battle]] from the rear, often seated giving instructions to messengers to relay. At least one general was attacked whilst still seated by [[cavalry\|mounted samurai]]. At the end of battle generals would view the heads of slain enemies as they sat on spiked boards.

	With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' (matchlock musket) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most archers from the field.		With the introduction of the ''tanegashima'' ([[matchlock]] [[musket]]) in the [[16th century]] warfare changed removing most [[archers]] from the field.

	After the Tokugawa Shogunate began ~~wars~~ became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the ~~swords~~ arts underwent a change in focus from war to ~~duelling~~. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly mythology has developed.		After the Tokugawa Shogunate began [[war]]s became less common in Japan and the samurai fought relatively few mass engagements. As a result the [[tachi]] became very rare and the [[katana]] became most recognizable [[symbol]] of the class. During this time, the sword arts underwent a change in focus from war to [[duel]]ling. It is from this time most samurai [[theatre\|drama]] and popularly [[mythology]] has developed.

	Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized by some families and schools. Tokugowa Iiejyasu (the Shogun who united all of Japan) wore armour that was originally foreign. Others considered the wearing of such to be an insult.		Samurai wore [[armour]] constructed of [[leather]] or [[iron]] covered with a [[lacquer]]. This armour was primarily of [[lamellar]] construction but later forms existed with larger riveted plates. Popular myth also erroneously believes samurai wore armour made of [[wood]] or [[bamboo]]. Foreign forms of armour were prized by some families and schools. Tokugowa Iiejyasu (the Shogun who united all of Japan) wore armour that was originally foreign. Others considered the wearing of such to be an insult.

	== Famous Samurai ==		== Famous Samurai ==
	'''Oda Nobunaga''' - A warlord with a well deserved reputation for brutality, he slaughtered 45,000 men women and children over the course of three days during the Ikko-Ikki rebellions. Nonetheless he is still referred to as the first of the Three Unifiers for the strides he took to conquer Japan.		''Oda Nobunaga'' - A warlord with a well deserved reputation for brutality, he slaughtered 45,000 men women and children over the course of three days during the Ikko-Ikki rebellions. Nonetheless he is still referred to as the first of the Three Unifiers for the strides he took to conquer Japan.

	'''Toyotomi Hideyoshi''' - Though he became a Samurai and was close to being the Shogun himself and eliminating the need for Ieyasu, Toyotomi was born a peasant and rose from being Nobunaga's sandal carrier to his General, and then his successor. United nearly all of Japan, took the title of Regent and then Taiko (retired Regent) for his son Hideyori, waged two unsuccessful wars on Korea, and was ultimately made in to a Shinto god. He was never made a Shogun because of his birth as a peasant, and could not find a family with a history of Shogun in their past (Hojo or Ashikaga) to adopt him. Because of this, and because his death left his infant son on an untenable throne, he is known as the Second of the Three Unifiers. He is the one who codified the classes as they would be during the high age of the Samurai (1600-1862), ironically making it impossible for a peasant to become a Samurai as he had.		''Toyotomi Hideyoshi'' - Though he became a Samurai and was close to being the Shogun himself and eliminating the need for Ieyasu, Toyotomi was born a peasant and rose from being Nobunaga's sandal carrier to his General, and then his successor. United nearly all of Japan, took the title of [[Regent]] and then Taiko (retired Regent) for his son Hideyori, waged two unsuccessful wars on Korea, and was ultimately made in to a Shinto [[god]]. He was never made a Shogun because of his birth as a [[peasant]], and could not find a family with a history of Shogun in their past (Hojo or Ashikaga) to adopt him. Because of this, and because his death left his infant son on an untenable [[throne]], he is known as the Second of the Three Unifiers. He is the one who codified the classes as they would be during the high age of the Samurai (1600-1862), ironically making it impossible for a peasant to become a Samurai as he had.

	''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - A warlord who served under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, he was appointed to the council of regents to protect Hideyori until the boy came of age. Due to ambition and political maneuvering he found himself in Rebellion toward the close of the 16th Century. In 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, where two hundred thousand warriors took the field, he finally finished the job started by his predecessors and became Shogun of a unified Japan. He is known as the last of the Three Unifiers. His family would rule Japan as Shoguns for 262 years until the Meiji Restoration restored power to the Emperor.		''Tokugawa Ieyasu'' - A warlord who served under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, he was appointed to the council of regents to protect Hideyori until the boy came of age. Due to ambition and political maneuvering he found himself in Rebellion toward the close of the 16th Century. In 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, where two hundred thousand warriors took the field, he finally finished the job started by his predecessors and became Shogun of a unified Japan. He is known as the last of the Three Unifiers. His family would rule Japan as Shoguns for 262 years until the Meiji Restoration restored power to the Emperor.