The Fujiwara clan, one of the classical ''[[uji]]'' (clans), first formed in the 7th century. They rose to power and prominence in [[Nara period|Nara]] and [[Heian period]] Japan, with the [[Northern Fujiwara]] effectively controlling the reins of power during the transition from the ''[[ritsuryo|ritsuryô]]'' system of government. The period during their height, when they effectively controlled the Imperial throne through careful political manipulation and "marriage politics", is sometimes referred to as the [[Fujiwara period]]. | The Fujiwara clan, one of the classical ''[[uji]]'' (clans), first formed in the 7th century. They rose to power and prominence in [[Nara period|Nara]] and [[Heian period]] Japan, with the [[Northern Fujiwara]] effectively controlling the reins of power during the transition from the ''[[ritsuryo|ritsuryô]]'' system of government. The period during their height, when they effectively controlled the Imperial throne through careful political manipulation and "marriage politics", is sometimes referred to as the [[Fujiwara period]]. |