Changes

Mt. Ôtake at the northern edge of the island is one of the highest in the Ryukyus, at around 305 meters (1000 feet). Historically, this provided a commanding view of maritime traffic, allowing those based on Kumejima to raid, tax, or otherwise take advantage of opportunities to profit from, ships passing through the region. Combined with the natural fortifications provided by the rocky topography of the island, this made Kume an excellent location for ''[[wako|wakô]]'' (brigands/pirates/smugglers) to set up base in the 13th-16th centuries.<ref name=smits101>Smits, 100-101.</ref> ''[[Gusuku]]'' fortresses began to be built on Kumejima around the same time as their first appearance on Okinawa Island, in the 13th-14th centuries.<ref>Smits, 18-26.</ref>

Mt. Ôtake at the northern edge of the island is one of the highest in the Ryukyus, at around 305 meters (1000 feet). Historically, this provided a commanding view of maritime traffic, allowing those based on Kumejima to raid, tax, or otherwise take advantage of opportunities to profit from, ships passing through the region. Combined with the natural fortifications provided by the rocky topography of the island, this made Kume an excellent location for ''[[wako|wakô]]'' (brigands/pirates/smugglers) to set up base in the 13th-16th centuries.<ref name=smits101>Smits, 100-101.</ref> ''[[Gusuku]]'' fortresses began to be built on Kumejima around the same time as their first appearance on Okinawa Island, in the 13th-14th centuries.<ref>Smits, 18-26.</ref>

According to legend, a ruler named Ishikinawa united the island sometime in the late 14th or early 15th century, and had four sons who each became lords of their own ''gusuku''. [[Shuri]] is believed to have made at least one notable attack on the island during the time of these sons; according to some accounts, this occurred because of the sons being betrayed in some fashion by their subordinates.<ref name=smits101/>

According to legend, a ruler named [[Ishikinawa]] or Ishikinawa ''[[anji]]'' united the island sometime in the late 14th or early 15th century, and had four sons who each became lords of their own ''gusuku''. [[Shuri]] is believed to have made at least one notable attack on the island during the time of these sons; according to some accounts, this occurred because of the sons being betrayed in some fashion by their subordinates.<ref name=smits101/>

By the beginning of the 16th century, a figure known as [[Gushikawa anji]] was the dominant power on Kumejima in traditional accounts. Based at [[Gushikawa gusuku (Kume)|Gushikawa gusuku]] and controlling the port of Yamato-domari, he is believed to have had some strong connections with the [[Miyako Islands|Miyako]] and [[Yaeyama Islands]], and may have been a ''wakô'' lord. By toppling him in [[1506]] and capturing his primary fortress, the Ryûkyû Kingdom under King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] claimed control over the island for the first time. Some have suggested that the island's natural sources of [[iron]] sands and corresponding thirteen or so metalworking centers were of particular appeal for Shuri. The island's metalworking industry was so notable, or prominent, that it's said it lit up the sky with a red glow at night.<ref name=smits101/>  

By the beginning of the 16th century, a figure known as [[Gushikawa anji]] was the dominant power on Kumejima in traditional accounts. Based at [[Gushikawa gusuku (Kume)|Gushikawa gusuku]] and controlling the port of Yamato-domari, he is believed to have had some strong connections with the [[Miyako Islands|Miyako]] and [[Yaeyama Islands]], and may have been a ''wakô'' lord. By toppling him in [[1506]] and capturing his primary fortress, the Ryûkyû Kingdom under King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] claimed control over the island for the first time. Some have suggested that the island's natural sources of [[iron]] sands and corresponding thirteen or so metalworking centers were of particular appeal for Shuri. The island's metalworking industry was so notable, or prominent, that it's said it lit up the sky with a red glow at night.<ref name=smits101/>