The Minamoto clan was a powerful samurai family in Japan during the late Heian period and the early Kamakura period. They played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which marked the beginning of military rule in Japan. The clan's members were known for their military prowess and were often involved in conflicts against rival clans, such as the Taira clan. One of the most famous figures from the Minamoto clan is Minamoto no Yoritomo, who became the first shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate in 1192. The clan's influence continued for centuries, shaping Japan's political landscape and contributing to the rise of the samurai class.