Battle of Dan-no-ura
Agriculture came to the islands around the 12th century, and the people shifted to farming from hunting. As on Okinawa Island, this resulted in the development of a nobility class called the "aji", who resided in castles called "gusuku". Famous "gusuku" included Beru Castle in Kasari, Amami, and Yononushi Castle in Wadomari. Stronger "aji" battled each other to expand their territories. Local folklore states that some Taira clan members, having lost the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, fled to Amami Ōshima. The historical accuracy of this claim is unknown.