The Asuka period (592-710 CE) preceded the Nara period, known for the introduction of Buddhism and the Taika Reforms.
Etymology
From 奈良 (Nara, the capital city) + 時代 (period, era). The name Nara itself is of uncertain origin, possibly from the verb ならす (to flatten) referring to the flat land, or from the Korean word nara (country).
