"Records of the Grand Historian"
"Records of the Grand Historian" is a monumental historical text written by the Chinese historian Sima Qian during the Han Dynasty, around 100 BCE. It covers over two thousand years of Chinese history, from the legendary Yellow Emperor to Sima Qian's own time. The work is divided into sections, including annals, treatises, and biographical essays, providing a comprehensive account of political events, cultural practices, and notable figures. This text is considered a foundational work of Chinese historiography, influencing how history was recorded and interpreted in China and beyond, and it remains an essential source for understanding ancient Chinese civilization.
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The "Records of the Grand Historian," written by Sima Qian in the 2nd century BCE, is a foundational historical text of ancient China. It covers the history of China from its legendary origins to the author's time, detailing significant events, figures, and cultural developments. This comprehensive work is known for its narrative style, blending history with biographical accounts. It established the standard for Chinese historiography and influenced historians for centuries. Sima Qian's approach emphasized the importance of documenting history to understand the present and informed future generations about their heritage.