Rokkaku clan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Rokkaku clan (六角氏, -shi) was a Japanese samurai clan which wielded considerable power in the Muromachi period under the Ashikaga shogunate. Founded by Sasaki Yasutsuna of Ōmi province in the 13th century, the name Rokkaku was taken from their residence within Kyoto; many members of this family continued to be called Sasaki, however. Over the course of the Muromachi period, members of the clan held the high post of Constable (shugo) of various provinces.

During the Ōnin War (1467-77), which marked the beginning of the Sengoku period, the clan's Kannonji castle came under assault. Defeated, the clan entered decline. It was eventually defeated by Oda Nobunaga towards the end of the 16th century, and dwindled to insignificance.