Historical Records (Shiji)

The "Shiji," also known as the "Records of the Grand Historian," is a monumental history written by Sima Qian during the Han Dynasty in China. Completed around 94 BCE, it covers over two thousand years of Chinese history, from mythical times to Sima Qian's own era. The work is structured into sections that encompass various topics such as annals, treatises, and biographies, offering a comprehensive account of rulers, significant events, and cultural developments. The "Shiji" is fundamental for understanding early Chinese history and has influenced historical writing throughout East Asia.