The samurai can be traced back to the eighth and ninth centuries, but didn't come into power until the twelfth century, where they began Japan's first dictatorship, known as the Shoguntae. The samurai were originally armed supporters of the wealthy's land, during the Heian period, or between 794 CE and 1185 CE.

The political power in Japan began shifting in the mid-twelfth century, or around 1150 CE. It began shifting away from the emperor, who lived in Kyoto, towards the heads of clans on their large estates.

In 1180 CE, the Minamoto and Taira clans began battling for control, starting the Gempei war, which ended in 1185 CE. The war was ended by one of the most famous samurai warriors, Minamoto Yoshitsune, led the Minamoto to victory against the Taira, around the village of Dan-no-ura. After Yoshitsune's victory is when samurai began their rise to power and became what we think of now.

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