Sasayama from ancient times to the Middle Ages

It has become clear from the remains of Paleolithic settlements that people were already living in the Sasayama Basin during the Paleolithic period.There are few ruins from the next Jomon period, and only a few pottery and stone tools from the late and final Jomon periods have been excavated.During the Yayoi period, rice cultivation began in the Sasayama Basin, and settlements were established on natural levees and alluvial fans suitable for farming.

From the middle to the late Yayoi period, settlements increased, and many dwelling sites and earthenware and other daily necessities have been discovered.Towards the end of the Yayoi period, ancient tombs began to appear. In the 5th century, the Kumobe-Kurumazuka Tomb, the second largest in the prefecture with a total length of 140 meters, was built. Also, many other ancient tombs have been discovered within the city, including one that has unearthed a rare "mirror with seven bells" and grave goods that suggest a connection to the Yamato government.

Ancient Sasayama corresponded to Taki County in Tanba Province, and excavated items suggest that the county office was located near Gunge in the center of the basin.

The ancient San'in Road, which connected Kyoto with the San'in region, passed through the Sasayama Basin, and according to "Engishiki," two posthouses were established in the county.

One such piece of pottery, with the ink inscription "Nagara," was discovered at the Konishinotubo ruins.

In the Middle Ages, Sasayama was home to many manors, including those of Toji Temple, Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine, Kyoto Gion Shrine (Yasaka Shrine), and the Konoe family.

Even today, there are regions where festivals that originated in the Middle Ages are still handed down.

During the Kamakura period, Tamba ware, one of the six ancient kilns of Japan, began operating around Sanbon Pass, and this tradition has continued to be passed down to the present-day Tamba ware.

During the turbulent period of the Northern and Southern Courts, the Niki clan, followed by the Yamana clan, served as the guardian of Tamba, and during the reign of Yamana Tokiuji, they expanded their influence and occupied five provinces, including Tamba.

After the Yamana clan declined during the Meitoku Rebellion (1391), Hosokawa Yorimoto became the shugo, and the province of Tamba passed to the Hosokawa clan hereditarily.

After the Onin War (1467-1477), the Hadano clan gained power, built Yakami Castle on Mount Takashiro, and ruled the Taki district for about 50 years, from the Taiei era (1521-1528) to the 7th year of Tensho (1579).

In 1575, Akechi Mitsuhide began his attack on Tamba because local powerful samurai were in conflict with Oda Nobunaga.

Initially, Hadono Hideharu campaigned on Akechi's side, but then defected and defeated Akechi.

After that, in the 5th year of Tensho, the Tamba region was attacked again, and finally in June of the 7th year of Tensho, Yakami Castle fell, and Taki County came under the control of Akechi.

After the Honnoji Incident, it became the storehouse of Hashiba Hideyoshi, then became the territory of Maeda Geni, entering the Edo period.