In 1571, Oda Nobunaga burned the Enryakuji temple complex on Mt. Hiei, citing the temple's support for his enemies. Halls, pagodas, monks, and civilians were consumed in an unprecedented act of religious suppression. The event became the defining symbol of Nobunaga's challenge to religious authority. Enryakuji was later rebuilt with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's support.

Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei was founded in 788 by the monk Saicho, who established the Ichijo Shikanin hall, and it grew throughout the Heian period into the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. During the medieval era, the temple wielded formidable religious and political influence over…