Ryūzōji clan

Ryūzōji clan (龍造寺氏) was a Japanese kin group which traces its origin to Hizen Province on the island of Kyushu.

History
The clan was founded by Fujiwara no Suie in 1186. The clan was allied with Ashikaga Takauji in 1336. but they were defeated in fighting with the Ōtomo clan to the east and Shimazu clan to the south.

Ryūzōji Takanobu is known for expanding his clan's holdings. He took land from the Shōni clan. Ryūzōji Masaie (1556–1607) was the son of Takanobu. In 1587, Masaie joined the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi against the Shimazu clan. In the same year, he was confirmed as head of the Saga Domain (350,000 koku), but control of the domain passed to Nabeshima Naoshige when Masaie was killed in battle.

Notable clan leaders

 * Ryūzōji Chikaie
 * Ryūzōji Takanobu
 * Ryūzōji Masaie