Medieval Japan's Golden Age

Why is the Heian Period called Japan's golden age?

• because of it rich mines

• because of its foreign trade

• because of its military power

• because of its art and literature

Which group was the most responsible for the achievements of Japan's golden age?

• aristocrats

• farmers

• emperors

• merchants

What action did the emperor Kammu take to reduce the political power of Buddhist priests?

• He taught a new religion

• he introduced high taxes

• He moved the capital city

• He tore down old temples

What features gave natural beauty to Heian-kyo?

• vast desert sands

• lakes and streams

• plains and grasslands

• rocks along the seacoast

Some of the original buildings of Heian-kyo were later rebuilt on the same sites. Where might a tourist go to see them?

• Nara

• Kyoto

• Tokyo

• Nagaoka

-it was surrounded by a wall

-Its site was easy to defend

-Part of its name meant "tranquility"

These facts show that the Japanese leaders in the late 700s valued

• natural beauty

• political power

• wealth and riches

• peace and security

Why would a visitor to the home of a Heian aristocrat see few objects?

• Simplicity was thought to be beautiful

• Valuables were hidden to prevent theft

• The wood floors were considered dirty

• The nobles lacked money to buy things

How did Fujiwara family gain political power?

• by taking over the position of emperor

• by getting support from unhappy peasants

• by marrying daughters into the royal family

• by gaining a monopoly on international trade

Which of these people would have ranked most highly in Heian Japan?

• one whose father was a court noble

• one who scored well on national tests

• one whose beauty was admired by poets

• one who paid the emperor money

If people saw two Heian men carrying fans with different numbers of folds, they could conclude that the men

• had different tastes

• held different ranks

• had reached different ages

• belonged to different clans