historian Sima Qian

Sima Qian was a Chinese historian who lived during the Han Dynasty (around 145-86 BCE). He is best known for writing the "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), which is considered one of the foundational texts of Chinese historiography. This work covers over two thousand years of Chinese history, detailing the lives of emperors, notable figures, and significant events. Sima Qian's approach combined historical narrative with personal commentary, influencing how history was documented in China. His dedication to accuracy and depth has earned him a lasting legacy as one of the greatest historians in Chinese history.