The Gempei War, a pivotal conflict in Japanese history that took place from 1180 to 1185, resulted in a significant loss of life, but exact numbers are difficult to determine.
Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians died as a result of this war. The conflict primarily involved two powerful clans, the Taira and the Minamoto, fighting for control of the Imperial throne.
In battle, casualties were particularly high. Major battles, such as the Battle of Dan-no-ura, were marked by intense fighting, with many warriors losing their lives. However, it’s important to note that many deaths also occurred due to the aftermath of warfare, including famine and disease, which affected the civilian population.
While some historical sources mention figures ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 casualties in total, discrepancies exist due to the lack of comprehensive record-keeping during that time. Thus, while we can say the Gempei War was devastating, exact figures remain elusive.