Grand Historian of China

The Grand Historian of China, known as Sima Qian, was a celebrated historian who lived during the Han Dynasty (circa 145-86 BCE). He authored the "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), a monumental work that documents over two thousand years of Chinese history, covering events, figures, and cultural insights from the earliest times to his own era. Sima Qian's methodologies—including thorough research, critical analysis, and narrative storytelling—set a standard for historical writing in China and influenced subsequent historians. His work remains a vital source for understanding China's past, its dynasties, and its development as a civilization.