The samurai were the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. They were known for their unique code of conduct, the Bushidō, which emphasized honor, courage, and mastery of martial arts.
Emerging in the 12th century, the samurai became prominent by serving the shoguns and daimyo of the time. They not only excelled in warfare but were also skilled in arts such as calligraphy and poetry, embodying the ideal of a balanced warrior.
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