The Taira clan was a powerful samurai 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. Despite their decline, the Taira clan's legacy continues to be remembered in Japanese culture, particularly in literature and theater, such as the Tale of the Heike.