Emperor Shōmu's Big Moves

Desperate to find a solution to the many troubles which had plagued his realm since he took the throne, Emperor Shōmu commissioned new temples to be constructed across the Kansai region and attempted to move the capital several times. Meanwhile, Empres Kōmyō and Crown Princess Abe increasingly took up the burden of governance with the help of their trusted relative Fujiwara Nakamaro. For pictures of Todaiji, the Daibutsu statue, and other great projects of Emperor Shōmu, check out the supple...