The Taira clan was a powerful family in Japan during the late Heian period (794-1185). They were known for their military prowess and played a significant role in the Genpei War, a conflict between the Taira and the Minamoto clan. The Taira clan's influence peaked under leaders like Taira no Kiyomori, who held significant political power and controlled key regions. The Taira clan's downfall came after their defeat in the Genpei War, leading to the rise of the Minamoto clan and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. The Taira's legacy is remembered in various cultural works, including the classic Japanese epic, the Heike Monogatari, which recounts their history and struggles.