What was the Japanese warrior class that rose to power in 11th century?

The Japanese warrior class that rose to power in the 11th century was the samurai.

While they had existed for centuries, the samurai gained prominence during the Heian period (794-1185) and their power solidified during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

Here's a breakdown of their rise:

* Heian Period: The samurai initially served as warriors for powerful landowners, but their influence grew as the central government weakened. They played a crucial role in the Genpei War (1180-1185), a conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans.

* Kamakura Period: The Minamoto clan emerged victorious in the Genpei War, establishing the Kamakura Shogunate, a military government ruled by a shogun. The samurai became the ruling class, wielding significant political and military power.

The samurai's rise to power marked a significant shift in Japanese society, where they were highly valued for their martial skills and loyalty. They played a major role in shaping Japanese history and culture for centuries to come.