The Asuka period (飛鳥時代, Asuka jidai?), was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 (or 592-645), although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period. The Yamato polity evolved greatly during the Asuka period, which is named after the Asuka region, about 25 km south of the modern city of Nara.
The Asuka period is also known for its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period, but largely affected by the arrival of Buddhism from China. The introduction of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa (倭?) to Nihon (日本?).
Artistically, the period can be further divided into two periods: the Asuka period (up to the Taika Reforms), where early Buddhist cultural imports and influences are seen from Northern Wei and the Hakuhō period (after the Taika Reform), in which more Sui and Tang influences appear.
Read more about Asuka Period: Naming, The Yamato Polity, The Soga Clan and Shōtoku Taishi, Foreign Relations, Introduction of Buddhism, Influence of Taoism, Events
Famous quotes containing the word period:
“Remember how often you have postponed minding your interest, and let slip those opportunities the gods have given you. It is now high time to consider what sort of world you are part of, and from what kind of governor of it you are descended; that you have a set period assigned you to act in, and unless you improve it to brighten and compose your thoughts, it will quickly run off with you, and be lost beyond recovery.”
—Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121–180)