The term shogun, meaning "great general' is a contraction of seiitaishogun, meaning "the great general who overcomes the savages". Originally it was a title given to Japanese military commanders of princely rank for the duration of a campaign. However, after it had been awarded to [Minamoto Yoritomo]? it became a hereditary title in the Minamoto lineage, indicating the de facto ruler of Japan, even while the emperor remained the de jure ruler. |
The term shogun (将軍), meaning "great general' is a contraction of seiitaishogun, meaning "the great general who overcomes the savages". Originally it was a title given to Japanese military commanders of princely rank for the duration of a campaign. However, after it had been awarded to [Minamoto Yoritomo]? it became a hereditary title in the Minamoto lineage, indicating the de facto ruler of Japan, even while the emperor remained the de jure ruler. |