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The Shunten dynasty (舜天王統) was the second dynasty in the traditional historiography of Okinawa Island. It was established by Shunten in 1187. According to Chūzan Seikan, Shunten's mother was a daughter of the aji, or local chieftain, of Ōzato; his father, Minamoto no Tametomo, was an adventurer from Japan. Prior to becoming king, Shunten was the lord of Urasoe. At that time, Okinawa Island was in great confusion; the last overlord of Tenson dynasty was assassinated by the powerful official named Riyū (利勇), whom promoted himself as paramount chief. Shunten revolted against Riyū and overthrew him. In 1187, Shunten was recognized as the new "king". overlord among aji. Though commonly called the "kings", the Okinawan rulers at that time should be more accurately identified as paramount chiefs, or overlords among aji during the Gusuku period.

George H. Kerr suggested that the stories of Shunten and Eiso dynasties "reflect the increasing penetration of Japanese influence" among Ryukyu Islands.

The Shunten dynasty had three kings, lasted from 1187 to 1259. The last king Gihon was forced to abdicate to his regent, Eiso, whom established the Eiso dynasty.

List of rulers

Notes

1. ^ Kerr. p58–59.
2. Ryukyu Islands (United States Civil Administration, 1950-1972). Shōgai Hōdōkyoku 琉球列島米国民政府涉外報道局 (1970). "守礼の光". 守礼の光 (2–12). In reviewing history, it can be noted that there was political turmoil in the Ryukyus in the 1250s during the reign of King Gihon, the last king of the Shunten Dynasty. In the 1350s the Eiso Dynasty was overturned and Urasoe Anji Satto became the new King of the Ryukyus{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
3. Kerr. p48.
4. ^ Chūzan Seikan, vol. 1
5. Kerr. p46.
6. Kerr. p50.
7. Schoonover, Michael. "Shunten: The First Okinawan King of Historical Record". Retrieved 2023-05-19.
8. Kerr. p53.
9. 琉球国王の神号と『おもろさうし』 (PDF) (in Japanese).

References

• Kerr, George H. Okinawa: The History of an Island People (revised ed.). Singapore: Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8048-2087-5.

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