Ōzato Castle

Ōzato Castle
島添大里城
Nanjō, Okinawa
Type Gusuku
Site information
Controlled by Nanzan (1314-1429)
Chūzan (1429)
Ryūkyū Kingdom (1429–1879)
 Empire of Japan (1879–1945)
United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands(1945-1950)
United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands(1950-1972)
 Japan(1972-present)
Open to
the public		 yes
Condition Ruins
Site history
Built early 14th century
Built by Ōzato Magiri Aji
In use early 14th century – 1429
Materials Ryūkyūan limestone, wood
Garrison information
Occupants Aji of Ōzato Magiri

Ōzato Castle (大里城 Ōzato-jō), officially Shimasoe-Ōzato Castle (島添大里城 Shimasoe Ōzato-jō), is a Ryūkyūan gusuku built in Nanzan and used until 1429. It, and the village of Ōzato, are named after the Ōzato Dynasty of Nanzan. It is in ruins, and is an officially-designated historical site in Nanjō City, Okinawa.[1]

History

Nanzan was established in 1314 when the Lord of Shimajiri-Ōzato, Ōzato Ofusato, broke away from the chieftain Tamagusuku at Urasoe Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century West of the farming village of Ōzato, and became the seat of the Aji of Ōzato Magiri.[2] It fell into disuse after the capture of Nanzan Castle in 1429. During an excavation of the site, Chinese ceramics were found, showing the extensive trade that Nanzan had done with Ming China.[3] In 2012, Ōzato castle became an officially-designated historical site on Okinawa Island.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Tokumori, Lima, and Mark Ealey. "Cultural Affairs Council Recommends Two Okinawan Sites to Minister of MEXT." Ryukyu Shimpo [Naha] 19 Nov. 2011: n. pag. Ryukyu Shimpo. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
  2. ↑ Nanjo Navigator. <http://nanjo-navi.jp/spot/spot.php?id=9>.
  3. ↑ 島添大里城跡 [Shimashīōzato Castle Site] (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

Coordinates: 26°08′26″N 127°46′07″E / 26.140664°N 127.768604°E / 26.140664; 127.768604 (Ōzato Castle)

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/19/2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.