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Recall that the [[Germanic tribes]] destroyed the Roman empire in the west in the A.D. 400s, and in particular [[Alaric]] the [[Visigoth]] sacked [[Rome]] in A.D. 410.  Many of the Germanic tribes eventually converted to [[Christianity]], but their own customs made the social organization of the Roman empire impossible to maintain.  The networks of roads, water, shipping and agriculture that flourished during the Roman empire began to decay.  There was little obvious scholarship or artistic activity either.  Except for the Carolingian court of [[Charlemagne]] discussed below, there was no kingdom in Europe from the fall of Rome to A.D. 1000.

Recall that the [[Germanic tribes]] destroyed the Roman empire in the west in the A.D. 400s, and in particular [[Alaric]] the [[Visigoth]] sacked [[Rome]] in A.D. 410.  Many of the Germanic tribes eventually converted to [[Christianity]], but their own customs made the social organization of the Roman empire impossible to maintain.  The networks of roads, water, shipping and agriculture that flourished during the Roman empire began to decay.  There was little obvious scholarship or artistic activity either.  Except for the Carolingian court of [[Charlemagne]] discussed below, there was no kingdom in Europe from the fall of Rome to A.D. 1000.

Christianity and its new network of churches helped filled the void.  Also, a new method developed for protecting private property and encouraging farming on a local level rather than through a centralized empire:  [[feudalism]].  It arose independently in western Europe and [[Japan]].

Christianity and its new network of churches helped filled the void.  Also, a new method developed for protecting private property and encouraging farming on a local level rather than through a centralized empire:  [[feudalism]].  It arose independently in Western Europe and [[Japan]].

Under the decentralized government during the Middle Ages, a huge church-state network called "Christendom" held influence over all of Europe.  Christendom consisted of a religious hierarchy known as the [[sacerdotium]], and a secular (non-religious) hierarchy known as the [[imperium]].  These corresponded to man's spiritual needs and his worldly or temporal needs.  In Western Europe, the pope of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] ruled over the religious side and an emperor ruled over the secular side, and they were often arguing with each other.  Emperors tried to control church officials and vice-versa.  The Church even had its own armies and cities, and a powerful pope named [[Innocent III]] even asserted the right to resolve disputes between kings.  The pope would [[excommunicate]] (kick out of the Church) kings to show his disapproval, and at times even attempted to remove kings from power.  This all makes for interesting reading and debate.

Under the decentralized government during the Middle Ages, a huge church-state network called "Christendom" held influence over all of Europe.  Christendom consisted of a religious hierarchy known as the [[sacerdotium]], and a secular (non-religious) hierarchy known as the [[imperium]].  These corresponded to man's spiritual needs and his worldly or temporal needs.  In Western Europe, the pope of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] ruled over the religious side and an emperor ruled over the secular side, and they were often arguing with each other.  Emperors tried to control church officials and vice-versa.  The Church even had its own armies and cities, and a powerful pope named [[Innocent III]] even asserted the right to resolve disputes between kings.  The pope would [[excommunicate]] (kick out of the Church) kings to show his disapproval, and at times even attempted to remove kings from power.  This all makes for interesting reading and debate.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Islam is the "[[jihad]]", which is defined in western dictionaries as any Muslim holy war against infidels.  But another meaning of a "jihad" in Islam is an internal spiritual struggle within each person for control over himself, in order to establish his complete allegiance to Allah.  Muslim scholars describe jihad as being waged through the heart, the tongue, the hand, and the sword.  Through jihad, Muslims believe they are guaranteed entrance into heaven.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Islam is the "[[jihad]]", which is defined in western dictionaries as any Muslim holy war against infidels.  But another meaning of a "jihad" in Islam is an internal spiritual struggle within each person for control over himself, in order to establish his complete allegiance to Allah.  Muslim scholars describe jihad as being waged through the heart, the tongue, the hand, and the sword.  Through jihad, Muslims believe they are guaranteed entrance into heaven.

Islam came very close to conquering western Europe and forcibly converting Christians to Islam in the A.D. 700s.  By then Spain was already under Muslim control by the [[Moors]], and Muslim soldiers were advancing into Gaul (modern [[France]]).  For twenty years they defeated Christian armies until the pivotal [[Battle of Tours]] (France) in 732, where massive Muslim forces met a determined Christian opponent named [[Charles Martel]] (the "Hammer"), who led the Germanic peoples known as "[[Franks]]" to a decisive defeat of the Muslims.  Historians say that all of Europe might have become Muslim if not for this single victory.  In the course of this battle, the Muslim leader [[Emir Abd er Rahman]] was killed, and the Muslims retreated back to Spain.  Muslims today refer to this key battle as "The Court of Martyrs" in Arabic.

Islam came very close to conquering Western Europe and forcibly converting Christians to Islam in the A.D. 700s.  By then Spain was already under Muslim control by the [[Moors]], and Muslim soldiers were advancing into Gaul (modern [[France]]).  For twenty years they defeated Christian armies until the pivotal [[Battle of Tours]] (France) in 732, where massive Muslim forces met a determined Christian opponent named [[Charles Martel]] (the "Hammer"), who led the Germanic peoples known as "[[Franks]]" to a decisive defeat of the Muslims.  Historians say that all of Europe might have become Muslim if not for this single victory.  In the course of this battle, the Muslim leader [[Emir Abd er Rahman]] was killed, and the Muslims retreated back to Spain.  Muslims today refer to this key battle as "The Court of Martyrs" in Arabic.

The most famous Muslim in the western world has been [[Muhammad Ali]], a champion boxer in the 1960s and 1970s who was the most-recognized athlete at that time, similar to Michael Jordan 5 or 10 years ago and Tiger Woods today.  Muhammad Ali converted to Islam and then refused to be drafted for the [[Vietnam War]] because he did not consider it to be a "holy war."  Judges rejected his claim and he was jailed, until the [[United States Supreme Court]] held that this view qualified Muhammad Ali for the "conscientious objector" exemption from the draft.  He was released from jail and then won back his boxing championship.

The most famous Muslim in the western world has been [[Muhammad Ali]], a champion boxer in the 1960s and 1970s who was the most-recognized athlete at that time, similar to Michael Jordan 5 or 10 years ago and Tiger Woods today.  Muhammad Ali converted to Islam and then refused to be drafted for the [[Vietnam War]] because he did not consider it to be a "holy war."  Judges rejected his claim and he was jailed, until the [[United States Supreme Court]] held that this view qualified Muhammad Ali for the "conscientious objector" exemption from the draft.  He was released from jail and then won back his boxing championship.

===Contributions of Islam to Society===

===Contributions of Islam to Society===

Muslim countries helped facilitate trade between Asia and Europe.  Muslims also transmitted Indian mathematical discoveries to western Europe and Muslims helped established universities when other parts of western Europe was declining.  Islamic learning included the works of [[Ibn Sina]] (980-1037 A.D.) who wrote "Canon of the Medicine," a book describing many infectious diseases and their causes, during the Golden Age of Islam.  Islamic architecture, as represented in mosques, is striking in design.  Islamic religion strictly prohibits artists from depicting the human form, which contributes to the distinguishing geometric characteristics of Muslim architecture.  [[Omar Khayyam]] lived in Persia, was tutored by a sheik, was probably Islamic, and was accomplished in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and especially literature, writing a famous collection of poems entitled the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

Muslim countries helped facilitate trade between Asia and Europe.  Muslims also transmitted Indian mathematical discoveries to Western Europe and Muslims helped established universities when other parts of Western Europe was declining.  Islamic learning included the works of [[Ibn Sina]] (980-1037 A.D.) who wrote "Canon of the Medicine," a book describing many infectious diseases and their causes, during the Golden Age of Islam.  Islamic architecture, as represented in mosques, is striking in design.  Islamic religion strictly prohibits artists from depicting the human form, which contributes to the distinguishing geometric characteristics of Muslim architecture.  [[Omar Khayyam]] lived in Persia, was tutored by a sheik, was probably Islamic, and was accomplished in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and especially literature, writing a famous collection of poems entitled the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

The Arabic language is closely related to [[Hebrew]], as both belong to the Semitic group of languages. It spread with Islam to be the language of nearly 200 million persons today, and has given many words to the English language.  Examples include "[[algebra]]", "cipher", "coffee" and "sugar".

The Arabic language is closely related to [[Hebrew]], as both belong to the Semitic group of languages. It spread with Islam to be the language of nearly 200 million persons today, and has given many words to the English language.  Examples include "[[algebra]]", "cipher", "coffee" and "sugar".

After the Roman empire fell in the A.D. 400s there was the possibility that all of the achievements of the classical civilizations, including much of their knowledge, would be lost.  Who would preserve the geometry discoveries of Euclid, or the philosophical advances of Plato and Aristotle?  Who would maintain copies of the Gospels to preserve the teachings of Jesus?  Who would safeguard history books?

After the Roman empire fell in the A.D. 400s there was the possibility that all of the achievements of the classical civilizations, including much of their knowledge, would be lost.  Who would preserve the geometry discoveries of Euclid, or the philosophical advances of Plato and Aristotle?  Who would maintain copies of the Gospels to preserve the teachings of Jesus?  Who would safeguard history books?

The period from the 5th to the 8th century is remembered by historians as a particularly bleak time, when havoc and barbarians "ruled".  This period, A.D. 400s through 700s, known as the "Dark Ages" in western Europe.  Everything visible and cultural seemed to decline, and nothing outstanding seemed to emerge.  Rome was sacked (invaded and looted) three times during this period, for example.  Barbaric tribes terrorized everyone.  The culture and economy declined.  Roads and waterways fell into disrepair.  The western world was at risk of losing all its knowledge and advances.

The period from the 5th to the 8th century is remembered by historians as a particularly bleak time, when havoc and barbarians "ruled".  This period, A.D. 400s through 700s, known as the "Dark Ages" in Western Europe.  Everything visible and cultural seemed to decline, and nothing outstanding seemed to emerge.  Rome was sacked (invaded and looted) three times during this period, for example.  Barbaric tribes terrorized everyone.  The culture and economy declined.  Roads and waterways fell into disrepair.  The western world was at risk of losing all its knowledge and advances.

===Monasteries===

===Monasteries===

Historians credit Christian monasteries for preserving culture and knowledge during these "dark" times.  The monasteries were communities of Christian monks, usually male, who had committed the rest of their lives to God.  They often moved apart so that they could be by themselves and pray many times a day.  While not praying, the monks would read and write and teach, and they preserved the knowledge and history that might otherwise have been lost.

Historians credit Christian monasteries for preserving culture and knowledge during these "dark" times.  The monasteries were communities of Christian monks, usually male, who had committed the rest of their lives to God.  They often moved apart so that they could be by themselves and pray many times a day.  While not praying, the monks would read and write and teach, and they preserved the knowledge and history that might otherwise have been lost.

The most famous of these "orders" or communities was one established by St. Benedict in Italy in about A.D. 520.  His "Rule of St. Benedict" is a strict set of disciplinary guidelines that require giving away all of one's possessions and vowing obedience to the "abbot", a monk elected to supervise the others.  The Rule included other requirements also, such a vow of stability (promise not to move somewhere else), and stressed the importance of prayer and manual labor ("ora et labora").  St. Benedict had a sister, St. Scholastica, who established a similar rule for devout, unmarried women (nuns) to live by.

The most famous of these "orders" or communities was one established by St. Benedict in Italy in about A.D. 520.  His "Rule of St. Benedict" is a strict set of disciplinary guidelines that require giving away all of one's possessions and vowing obedience to the "abbot", a monk elected to supervise the others.  The Rule includes other requirements also, such a vow of stability (promise not to move somewhere else), and it stresses the importance of prayer and manual labor ("ora et labora").  St. Benedict had a sister, St. Scholastica, who established a similar rule for devout, unmarried women (nuns) to live by.

Abiding by strict rules of discipline and living separate from society, monks had no distractions.  So they established schools and libraries, and transcribed or copied great works that needed to be preserved and duplicated (the printing press was not invented until about A.D. 1440).  Venerable Bede, an English monk, wrote a history of England in A.D. 731 that is considered a masterpiece.

Abiding by strict rules of discipline and living separate from society, monks had no distractions.  So they established schools and libraries, and transcribed or copied great works that needed to be preserved and duplicated (the printing press was not invented until about A.D. 1440).  Venerable Bede, an English monk, wrote a history of England in A.D. 731 that is considered a masterpiece.

===Charlemagne and the Carolingian Court===

===Charlemagne and the Carolingian Court===

Small Germanic kingdoms dominated western Europe after the fall of the Roman empire.  But Christianity continued to grow, and in Rome the Catholic Church based increased its power.  Bit by bit, person by person, the Germans were converted to become Catholics.  Clovis, the leader of a German group known as "Franks", ruled over the important area of Gaul that corresponds to modern France and portions of its surroundings.  His wife Clotilda converted Clovis to Catholicism, and then Clovis converted his entire army too.  The pope then supported Clovis and he became even more powerful.  This was how the Roman Catholic Church interacted with military rulers.

Small Germanic kingdoms dominated Western Europe after the fall of the Roman empire.  But Christianity continued to grow, and in Rome the Catholic Church increased its power.  Bit by bit, person by person, the Germans were converted to become Catholics.  Clovis, the leader of a German group known as "Franks", ruled over the important area of Gaul that corresponds to modern France and portions of its surroundings.  His wife Clotilda converted Clovis to Catholicism, and then Clovis converted his entire army too.  The pope then supported Clovis and he became even more powerful.  This was how the Roman Catholic Church interacted with military rulers.

One of the most significant popes was Gregory the Great (Gregory I) (A.D. 540-604).  He decided to use church money for non-religious (secular) purposes, such as establishing government programs for the poor (welfare), supporting armies, and paying for public projects such as roads.  Pope Gregory blurred the lines between church and government.  The use of church power in non-religious matters became known as the "temporal power" of the Catholic Church, and this would become a source of enormous conflict in future centuries.

One of the most significant popes was Gregory the Great (Gregory I) (A.D. 540-604).  He decided to use church money for non-religious (secular) purposes, such as establishing government programs for the poor (welfare), supporting armies, and paying for public projects such as roads.  Pope Gregory blurred the lines between church and government.  The use of church power in non-religious matters became known as the "temporal power" of the Catholic Church, and this would become a source of enormous conflict in future centuries.

Gaul (now France) became the most significant part of the former Roman empire, and many terms come from it.  "Major domo," for example, is the term for the major of the palace, which in Gaul was the most powerful person in the kingdom.

Gaul (now France) became the most significant part of the former Roman empire, and many terms come from it.  "Major domo," for example, is the term for the major of the palace, which in Gaul was the most powerful person in the kingdom.

From Gaul a leader emerged named Charles Martel (popularly known as "Charles the Hammer").  He ruled the Franks from A.D. 719-741 and, as his nickname suggests, he expanded he territory.  He was the one who saved Christian Europe by crushing the Muslim invasion at the Battle of Tours in 732 (see above).   

From Gaul a leader emerged named Charles Martel (popularly known as "Charles the Hammer").  He ruled the Franks from A.D. 719-741 and, as his nickname suggests, he expanded he territory.  He was the one who saved Christian Europe by crushing the Muslim invasion at the Battle of Tours in 732.   

Charles' son had the humorous name "Pepin the Short."  Despite the name, he was also a brilliant leader of the Franks.  Pepin conquered territory around Rome and then gave it as a gift to the pope.  The pope returned the favor with the "Donation of Pepin," laying the foundation for the Papal States, which were territories under the control of the pope.  Charles Martel and Pepin's family were the Carolingian (pronounced kar-uh-LIN-ee-uhn) dynasty that ruled the Franks from 751 all the way to 987.

Charles' son had the humorous name "Pepin the Short."  Despite the name, he was also a brilliant leader of the Franks.  Pepin conquered territory around Rome and then gave it as a gift to the pope.  The pope returned the favor with the "Donation of Pepin," laying the foundation for the Papal States, which were territories under the control of the pope.  Charles Martel and Pepin's family were the Carolingian (pronounced kar-uh-LIN-ee-uhn) dynasty that ruled the Franks from 751 all the way to 987.

===Feudalism in Western Europe===

===Feudalism in Western Europe===

The new system of government and economics for western Europe was feudalism, also known as manorialism.  The feudal system arose in the 8th century in the Frankish kingdom as a way to protect against foreign invasions, especially invasions by Vikings ("Danes") from Scandinavia.  The Normans (descendants of Scandinavians and Franks from Normandy, France) brought feudalism to southern Italy and Sicily.  The Norman conquest of Britain in 1066 brought the feudal system to England, Scotland and Ireland.  Viking invasions lasted until the 10th century, by which time many Vikings had accepted Christianity and settled into civilizations of their own in northern Europe.  The end of the Viking raids enabled trade to increase in western Europe.

The new system of government and economics for Western Europe was feudalism, also known as manorialism.  The feudal system arose in the 8th century in the Frankish kingdom as a way to protect against foreign invasions, especially invasions by Vikings ("Danes") from Scandinavia.  The Normans (descendants of Scandinavians and Franks from Normandy, France) brought feudalism to southern Italy and Sicily.  The Norman conquest of Britain in 1066 brought the feudal system to England, Scotland and Ireland.  Viking invasions lasted until the 10th century, by which time many Vikings had accepted Christianity and settled into civilizations of their own in northern Europe.  The end of the Viking raids enabled trade to increase in Western Europe.

The basic feudal system consisted of a "noble" or "lord" who possessed land (called a "fief") given by the king.  The lords lived in castles surrounded by moats, and rented their land out to "vassals."  Vassals were also considered nobles, but with less power.  They provided military service to the lords in exchange for protection and land, which they in turn rented out to the "peasants" or "serfs" to farm.  The system had some similarities to the plantation system used in the south in America before the Civil War, except the peasants and vassals were not always bound to their lord in western Europe and thus were not slaves.  Instead, the peasants were sometimes bound to their land rather than to their "lord", and when one lord sold all the land to another lord, the peasants did not move.  Warfare amongst the various different estates was common under feudalism, due to the lack of any kind of centralized government, and peasants were required to fight for their lords against foreign invaders.  They were also required to provide their lord with a share of their crops while not fighting an invasion.   

The basic feudal system consisted of a "noble" or "lord" who possessed land (called a "fief") given by the king.  The lords lived in castles surrounded by moats, and rented their land out to "vassals."  Vassals were also considered nobles, but with less power.  They provided military service to the lords in exchange for protection and land, which they in turn rented out to the "peasants" or "serfs" to farm.  The system had some similarities to the plantation system used in the south in America before the Civil War, except the peasants and vassals were not always bound to their lord in Western Europe and thus were not slaves.  Instead, the peasants were sometimes bound to their land rather than to their "lord", and when one lord sold all the land to another lord, the peasants did not move.  Warfare amongst the various different estates was common under feudalism, due to the lack of any kind of centralized government, and peasants were required to fight for their lords against foreign invaders.  They were also required to provide their lord with a share of their crops while not fighting an invasion.   

Initially, most peasants were free men, but eventually became more and more dependent on the lords, especially as serfdom increased.  Serfs were bound to the land by custom and heredity and were not particularly free.  The peasants did not have the iron plow until about A.D. 1000, and it was hard work to till the soil with the primitive wooden plows.  After inventing the iron plow, food production soared.

Initially, most peasants were free men, but eventually became more and more dependent on the lords, especially as serfdom increased.  Serfs were bound to the land by custom and heredity and were not particularly free.  The peasants did not have the iron plow until about A.D. 1000, and it was hard work to till the soil with the primitive wooden plows.  After inventing the iron plow, food production soared.

==Feudalism and Religion in Japan==

==Feudalism and Religion in Japan==

On the other side of the world, in the "Far East," Japan was independently developing a feudal system similar to that in western Europe.  That is an odd coincidence because the religious beliefs of the two different parts of the world were completely different!   

On the other side of the world, in the "Far East," Japan was independently developing a feudal system similar to that in Western Europe.  That is an odd coincidence because the religious beliefs of the two different parts of the world were completely different!   

The centralized system of Japan had weakened and declined just as it had in western Europe.  The reasons were different, however.  The Japanese culture always stressed self-discipline and military skills, and when combined with introduction of writing in the 5th century and Buddhism in the 6th century, there was little need for a centralized government.  In addition, the central government that did exist, which was known as the Heian court, lost credibility through its own extravagance and waste.

The centralized system of Japan had weakened and declined just as it had in Western Europe.  The reasons were different, however.  The Japanese culture always stressed self-discipline and military skills, and when combined with introduction of writing in the 5th century and Buddhism in the 6th century, there was little need for a centralized government.  In addition, the central government that did exist, which was known as the Heian court, lost credibility through its own extravagance and waste.

Aristocratic clans had dominated Japan until A.D. 500, when the Yamato clan gradually gained prominence as the leading clan and named themselves "emperor".  But the real power remained controlled by those of noble birth, and then (like now) the "emperor" was just a figurehead.  Shinto was the dominant religion, though it has since merged somewhat with Buddhism.

Aristocratic clans had dominated Japan until A.D. 500, when the Yamato clan gradually gained prominence as the leading clan and named themselves "emperor".  But the real power remained controlled by those of noble birth, and then (like now) the "emperor" was just a figurehead.  Shinto was the dominant religion, though it has since merged somewhat with Buddhism.

Feudalism then developed in Japan as families began to acquire control over land and establish independent estates, just as the lords did in western Europe.  The peasants were bound to both the land and their master in Japan.  Like medieval Europe, fortresses were constructed to protect the large estates and moats were even used to surround the fortress, for added protection.  An example of a family that built a large, independent estate was the Fujiwara.

Feudalism then developed in Japan as families began to acquire control over land and establish independent estates, just as the lords did in Western Europe.  The peasants were bound to both the land and their master in Japan.  Like medieval Europe, fortresses were constructed to protect the large estates and moats were even used to surround the fortress, for added protection.  An example of a family that built a large, independent estate was the Fujiwara.

The world's first psychological novel, "The Tale of Genji," was written in the 1000s by Lady Murasaki about Japanese culture during the Heian period (794-1185).  This was a period of great style in Japan with its center at the capital at Heian, where Kyoto is today.  Recently, in 1997, Kyoto became known as the place where many nations attempted to limit the alleged global warming through the "Kyoto Treaty" for reducing factory and car emissions, which the United States never ratified.

The world's first psychological novel, "The Tale of Genji," was written in the 1000s by Lady Murasaki about Japanese culture during the Heian period (794-1185).  This was a period of great style in Japan with its center at the capital at Heian, where Kyoto is today.  Recently, in 1997, Kyoto became known as the place where many nations attempted to limit the alleged global warming through the "Kyoto Treaty" for reducing factory and car emissions, which the United States never ratified.

Skilled military leaders or generals, known as "bushi", raised their own armies of "samurai" soldiers to protect their estates.  Like the chivalry in western Europe, the samurai lived by a code of conduct known as the "bushido", meaning "the way of the warrior."  One difference is that bushido included a code for Japanese women to follow, which chivalry did not.  Bushido involved a ritual known as "seppuku", by which samurai committed suicide through self-disembowelment.  Seppuku was practiced when a warrior faced the prospect of dishonor, to avoid disloyalty, or to display protest.

Skilled military leaders or generals, known as "bushi", raised their own armies of "samurai" soldiers to protect their estates.  Like the chivalry in Western Europe, the samurai lived by a code of conduct known as the "bushido", meaning "the way of the warrior."  One difference is that bushido included a code for Japanese women to follow, which chivalry did not.  Bushido involved a ritual known as "seppuku", by which samurai committed suicide through self-disembowelment.  Seppuku was practiced when a warrior faced the prospect of dishonor, to avoid disloyalty, or to display protest.

Even more than in western Europe, strict loyalty to one's lord was emphasized in Japan.  About a thousand years later this code would make the Japanese extremely tenacious fighters against Americans in World War II.  The bushido required the samurai never to retreat or surrender.  Family values were part of the bushido also.  A version of Buddhism developed that ensured salvation and heaven for those who lived upright lives.

Even more than in Western Europe, strict loyalty to one's lord was emphasized in Japan.  About a thousand years later this code would make the Japanese extremely tenacious fighters against Americans in World War II.  The bushido required the samurai never to retreat or surrender.  Family values were part of the bushido also.  A version of Buddhism developed that ensured salvation and heaven for those who lived upright lives.

For hundreds of years the aristocrats gained more and more land in Japan until A.D. 1185, when the Minamoto clan became the most powerful and announced that their leader would served as a military governor called a "shogun".  This clan then ruled Japan for nearly 400 years from its capital at Kamakura, which is south of present-day Tokyo.

For hundreds of years the aristocrats gained more and more land in Japan until A.D. 1185, when the Minamoto clan became the most powerful and announced that their leader would served as a military governor called a "shogun".  This clan then ruled Japan for nearly 400 years from its capital at Kamakura, which is south of present-day Tokyo.

When the Minamoto clan seized power in the 12th century, they held onto it for a few hundred years.  Some of their emperors were children.  Civil war eventually erupted in Japan in 1467, and the country fell back into feudalism consisting of many tiny kingdoms, with each one ruled by a "daimyo".  The daimyo held the same role as the lords in the feudalism of western Europe.

When the Minamoto clan seized power in the 12th century, they held onto it for a few hundred years.  Some of their emperors were children.  Civil war eventually erupted in Japan in 1467, and the country fell back into feudalism consisting of many tiny kingdoms, with each one ruled by a "daimyo".  The daimyo held the same role as the lords in the feudalism of Western Europe.

The national religion of Japan is Shinto, which considers the emperor to be a living god.  Shinto is more like a code of conduct than a religion.  Shinto has no afterlife.  Instead, it demands loyalty and obedience of all to the emperor, who is divine.  It led to extreme nationalism in Japan that made it a very tough opponent of the United States in World War II.  It was not until the United States defeated Japan in World War II that the emperor renounced his status as a god and the state religion of Shinto ended.  Today Shinto consists of the worship of "kami" in shrines supervised by priests.  Worship consists of personal purification and daily prayers to the kumi.

The national religion of Japan is Shinto, which considers the emperor to be a living god.  Shinto is more like a code of conduct than a religion.  Shinto has no afterlife.  Instead, it demands loyalty and obedience of all to the emperor, who is divine.  It led to extreme nationalism in Japan that made it a very tough opponent of the United States in World War II.  It was not until the United States defeated Japan in World War II that the emperor renounced his status as a god and the state religion of Shinto ended.  Today Shinto consists of the worship of "kami" in shrines supervised by priests.  Worship consists of personal purification and daily prayers to the kumi.