Kuni-kyō facts for kids
Kuni-kyō (pronounced Koo-nee-kyoh) was an important capital city in ancient Japan. It served as the capital for a short time, from 740 to 744. The main imperial palace, known as Kuni-kyū, was built in the area that is now the city of Kizugawa in Kyoto Prefecture. Emperor Shōmu was the ruler who ordered this new capital to be built.
A Capital on the Move
Kuni-kyō was never fully finished. The capital was moved again after only four years. In 744, Emperor Shōmu decided to move the capital to a new place called Shigaraki Palace in Kōka, Shiga Prefecture.
The capital moved yet again in 745 to Naniwa-kyō (which is now Osaka). But before the year ended, Emperor Shōmu moved the capital back to Heijō-kyō in Nara. This shows how often the capital was changing during this period!
Why the Capital Moved So Much
The Kuni area was a strong base for a powerful leader named Tachibana no Moroe. He was a very important minister, almost like a prime minister, in the government at the time. This government was called the "dajō-kan" or "Great Council."
Later, the choice of Shigaraki as the capital might have shown that another powerful group, the Fujiwara clan, was gaining influence again. Their power was strong around the Shigaraki area. The move to Naniwa might have been a way for both groups to agree on a location.
What We Found at Kuni-kyō
Archaeologists have been digging at the Kuni-kyō site. These digs, called excavations, have helped us find important buildings. These buildings were laid out in a way that followed Chinese designs.
Some of the key buildings found include the Daigokuden (which was the main hall for important ceremonies) and the Dairi (the emperor's living quarters). Experts believe the palace area was about 560 meters wide from east to west. It was also about 750 meters long from north to south. These finds help us understand what the capital might have looked like.
