In ancient Japan, the Samurai were at the top of the warrior class.
In ancient Japan the term samurai referred to those in the upper levels of the warrior class. During the 12th century they were often employed as protectors of Lords, Noblemen, or wealthy aristocrats and were feared for their ferocity in battle. Often carrying two swords, Samurai were known to kill anyone who offended them or stood in their way; especially those in the lower classes. The Samurai were also known to follow a code of rules and conduct called the Bushido or “the way of the warrior”. The Bushido was the way of life for Samurai; its ways and teachings strongly emphasized a sense of loyalty, chivalry, and above all, honor.
As fearless and unyielding warriors, the Samurai ruled over Japan for more than 600 years. Much like knights in early European history, the Samurai caste held several different levels of nobility and was tightly controlled by its lords and noblemen. During the 12th century there was known to be three major ranks of Samurai warriors. There were the common soldiers, the Kenin who were known as “housemen” or administrative officials, and the high ranking mounted Samurai who were permitted to ride on horseback throughout the land.
Above all, the Samurai were known for their extreme loyalty to their master or the “Daimyo” until death. If a Samurai failed in battle or otherwise disgraced it was customary for them to commit a ritual suicide known as Seppuku. Considered to be an honorable death, Seppuku consisted of the disgraced Samurai performing a circular stomach cutting in public and often as part of a formal ritual. Afterward, the Samurai would then be beheaded by an assistant in one stroke.
The Samurai ruled over Japan for hundreds of years. As time went on they eventually began to transition away from being known as warriors and more into what later became mostly bureaucratic or scholarly roles within the Japanese society. After the fall of the Osaka castle in 1615, the Samurai remained largely unchallenged for hundreds of years until the social class was eventually abolished in 1868. Even today the lore, legend, and way of the Samurai lives on in modern society. People of every culture will always be in awe of the mythical and legendary way of life during this unforgettable era of Japanese history.