Nara Japan: Map & History
The Nara period of the history of Japan covers the years from 710 to 794.
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Historiographical synthesis & structured realm registry
The Nara period of the history of Japan covers the years from 710 to 794. It succeeded the Asuka period and is followed by the Heian period. Empress Genmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō. Except for a five-year period (740–745), when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kanmu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784, before moving to Heian-kyō, modern Kyoto, a decade later in 794.
Modern Countries Once Part of Nara Japan
At its mapped extent, Nara Japan covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Nara Japan's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Nara Japan: Key Facts
| Founded | 710 CE |
|---|
Preceded by
- Asuka period
- Yamato period
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q189178 (CC0).
Nara Japan Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Nara Japan appears, with the other states of the time.
Nara Japan Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 230,061 km² in 790 CE.
Nara Japan: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nara Japan exist?
Nara Japan is dated to 710 CE – 792 CE, in the Early Middle Ages era.
How large was Nara Japan at its peak?
At its peak in 790 AD Nara Japan covered about 230,061 km².
Other Sovereign Realms
Early Middle Ages • Capital: Constantinople
Classical Antiquity • Capital: Pataliputra, Ujjain
High & Late Middle Ages • Capital: Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Early Middle Ages • Capital: Chang'an