Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals)

The Chunqiu, or Spring and Autumn Annals, is an ancient Chinese historical chronicle covering the period from 722 to 481 BCE. Traditionally attributed to Confucius, it records events in the state of Lu with succinct, often coded entries. Its purpose was to document political affairs, military actions, and social changes, reflecting moral judgments and guiding principles. Despite its brevity, the text is highly influential in Chinese history and philosophy, inspiring later interpretations and commentaries. It exemplifies early Chinese historiography by combining factual reporting with moral commentary, embodying the Confucian emphasis on ethical governance and social harmony.