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The Heiji Disturbance was a conflict between the [[Minamoto clan|Minamoto]] and [[Taira clan]]s, led by [[Minamoto no Yoshitomo]] and [[Taira no Kiyomori]] respectively. Along with the [[Hogen Disturbance|Hôgen Disturbance]] of [[1156]], it marks the rise of Taira power, the beginning of the decline of direct Imperial power, and the early stages of the rise of the samurai class.

The Heiji Disturbance was a conflict between the [[Minamoto clan|Minamoto]] and [[Taira clan]]s, led by [[Minamoto no Yoshitomo]] and [[Taira no Kiyomori]] respectively. Along with the [[Hogen Disturbance|Hôgen Disturbance]] of [[1156]], it marks the rise of Taira power, the beginning of the decline of direct Imperial power, and the early stages of the rise of the samurai class.

The conflict arose out of the resolution of the Hôgen Rebellion which came several years prior. At that time, Minamoto no Yoshitomo and Taira no Kiyomori had been allies, supporting Retired [[Emperor Go-Shirakawa]] against the forces of his brother [[Emperor Sutoku]]. However, while Yoshitomo felt he was more responsible for their victory, it was Kiyomori who received the greater rewards. Thus, Yoshitomo allied with court minister [[Fujiwara no Nobuyori]] to make a move against Kiyomori's authority.

The conflict arose out of the resolution of the Hôgen Rebellion which came several years prior. At that time, Minamoto no Yoshitomo and Taira no Kiyomori had been allies, supporting [[Emperor Go-Shirakawa]] against the forces of his brother Retired [[Emperor Sutoku]]. However, while Yoshitomo felt he was more responsible for their victory, it was Kiyomori who received the greater rewards. Thus, Yoshitomo allied with court minister [[Fujiwara no Nobuyori]] to make a move against Kiyomori's authority.

The attack on the [[Sanjo Palace|Sanjô Palace]] on 1159/12/9 was the chief action of the conflict. Yoshitomo and Nobuyori waited until Kiyomori was away from [[Kyoto]] on a religious pilgrimage, and then attacked the Imperial residence with roughly 500 warriors, kidnapping the Retired [[Emperor Go-Shirakawa]] and setting the building aflame; Go-Shirakawa and his sister [[Joseimon-in|Jôseimon-in]] were taken to the [[Kyoto Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]]. The events are dramatically depicted in a famous, later, handscroll composition now in the collection of the [[Museum of Fine Arts, Boston]], and entitled "Night Attack on the Sanjo Palace."

The attack on the [[Sanjo Palace|Sanjô Palace]] on 1159/12/9 was the chief action of the conflict. Yoshitomo and Nobuyori waited until Kiyomori was away from [[Kyoto]] on a religious pilgrimage, and then attacked the Imperial residence with roughly 500 warriors, kidnapping the Retired [[Emperor Go-Shirakawa]] and setting the building aflame; Go-Shirakawa and his sister [[Joseimon-in|Jôseimon-in]] were taken to the [[Kyoto Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]]. The events are dramatically depicted in a famous, later, handscroll composition now in the collection of the [[Museum of Fine Arts, Boston]], and entitled "Night Attack on the Sanjo Palace."