Taira no Kiyomori was a prominent Japanese military leader during the late Heian period. Born in 1118, he rose to power as the head of the Taira clan, one of the most influential samurai families of the time. Kiyomori played a crucial role in the Genpei War, a conflict between the Taira and the Minamoto clan, which ultimately led to the decline of the Heian aristocracy. Kiyomori is known for his ambitious nature and efforts to consolidate power, including the establishment of a new political order. His reign marked the beginning of the Kamakura period, which saw the rise of the samurai class and the shift of power from the imperial court to military leaders.