Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology

Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai The third-century Chinese chronicle Wei zhi (Record of Wei) is responsible for Japan's most enduring ancient mystery. This early history tells of a group of islands off the China coast that were dominated by a female shaman named Himiko. Himiko ruled for more than half a century as head of the largest chiefdom, traditionally known as Yamatai, until her death in 248. Yet no such person appears in t... Full description