Sima Qian

Sima Qian was an influential Chinese historian who lived during the Han Dynasty (c. 145–86 BCE). He is best known for his work "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), which is one of the first comprehensive histories of China. This monumental text covers over two thousand years of Chinese history, detailing the lives of emperors, philosophers, and significant events. Sima Qian's approach combined historical facts with storytelling, making history accessible. Despite facing severe personal challenges, including imprisonment and castration, he persevered in his work, shaping the future of historical writing in China and influencing historians for centuries.