司马迁 - 司馬遷 - Sima Qian

About the Author

Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE), revered as one of China's greatest historians, was born in the Western Han dynasty and served as a court astrologer and archivist under Emperor Wu. Enduring immense personal hardship, including castration as punishment for defending a disgraced general, he channeled his resilience into completing the monumental 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji), a comprehensive chronicle spanning from mythical antiquity to his contemporary era. This seminal work, divided into 130 volumes, blends meticulous historical records, biographies, annals, and treatises, establishing the foundational model for Chinese historiography. Sima Qian's dedication to truth and narrative depth not only preserved the essence of ancient Chinese civilization but also influenced generations of scholars and writers, cementing his legacy as the father of Chinese history.