Toyo (queen) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iyo |
|
|---|---|
| Queen of Yamataikoku | |
| Reign | 248/9 CE – Unknown |
| Predecessor | Himiko |
| Born | 235 CE Yamatai, Japan |
| Died | Unknown |
Iyo (also known as Toyo) was a powerful queen who ruled a place called Yamatai-koku in ancient Japan. She was born around the year 235 CE. Iyo became queen after another famous ruler, Queen Himiko. We know about Iyo mostly from old Chinese writings, like the "Records of Wei".
How Iyo Became Queen
Iyo's early life isn't well known. We do know she was a close relative of Queen Himiko. She gained a lot of political power when she was very young. Experts believe Iyo was Himiko's niece. Both Himiko and Iyo were special leaders. They were not only queens but also spiritual guides, like shamans. This meant their rule had both political and religious importance.
A Time of Trouble
After Queen Himiko passed away, a man tried to rule Yamatai. But the people did not accept him. This led to a lot of fighting and chaos. Many people were hurt or killed during this time.
Iyo Restores Peace
To stop the fighting, the leaders of Yamatai decided they needed another queen. They chose Iyo, who was only 13 years old at the time. Iyo successfully brought peace back to her land. She followed the same wise rules and ways of leading that Queen Himiko had used.
The old Chinese book, Records of Wei, tells us what happened:
When Himiko passed away, a very large mound was built for her grave. More than a hundred people went with her to the grave. Then a king was put in charge, but the people would not listen to him. Fighting and killing followed, and more than a thousand people died. A relative of Himiko named Iyo, a girl of thirteen, was then made queen. After that, peace returned. The Chinese official Chêng announced that Iyo was the new ruler.
Connecting with China
Queen Iyo continued the friendly relationship between Yamatai and the Chinese kingdom of Wei. This relationship involved sending gifts and tributes. Chinese officials were part of her group of advisors. Iyo even sent a group of twenty people, led by her main assistant Isako, to travel with these Chinese officials back to China. This showed how important the connection between Yamatai and Wei was.
