The descendant of Prince Kusakabe, who was a child between Emperor Tenmu and Emperor Jito, became the main Imperial blood line during the Nara period and was actively involved in politics and culture, however the Imperial line was discontinued after Emperor Shotoku was the last Emperor, the Imperial line was returned to Emperor Tenchi/Tenji's line (Prince Shirakabe, later became Emperor Konin).
天武と持統の間から生まれた草壁皇子の子孫は奈良時代の皇統となって平城京で政治･文化の担い手になったが、称徳天皇を最後に断絶してしまい、皇統は天智天皇系（すなわち白壁王、のちの光仁天皇）に戻る事となった。