A Taira naval victory over Minamoto forces during the Genpei War, demonstrating the Taira's tactical advantage at sea.
Key Facts
- Date
- 17 November 1183
- Conflict
- Genpei War
- Location
- Mizushima, Bitchu Province, off Honshū
- Taira tactic
- Ships tied together with planks as fighting platform
- Minamoto commander
- Minamoto no Yoshinaka (sent the army)
- Outcome
- Taira victory; Minamoto forces routed
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In November 1183, Minamoto no Yoshinaka dispatched an army across the Inland Sea toward the Taira stronghold of Yashima, a small island off Shikoku. The Taira intercepted the Minamoto fleet near Mizushima, a small island of Bitchu Province just off Honshū, before it could reach its objective.
The Taira lashed their ships together and laid planks across them to create a stable fighting platform. They opened the battle with volleys of arrows, then closed for hand-to-hand combat with daggers and swords. In a decisive move, the Taira unloaded their warhorses, which swam ashore, allowing mounted Taira warriors to pursue and rout the remaining Minamoto forces.
The Minamoto expedition to Yashima was defeated, preserving the Taira stronghold and demonstrating the Taira's superiority in naval warfare. The battle temporarily checked Minamoto expansion in the western sea lanes during the wider Genpei War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Minamoto no Yoshinaka (dispatching commander).
Side B
1 belligerent