Nara

The imperial capital of Japan from 710 until 784. Founded in 706, the city was modeled on the Chinese Tang dynasty capital at Chang'an and was an integral part of the imperial government's attempt to build a centralized state. The increasing power of the Buddhist clergy forced the court to abandon Nara, eventually settling at Heian in 794. Several Buddhist monuments survive, including the Horyuji monastery (built 670) and the Todaiji temple (built 745-52).