The Spring and Autumn Annals

The Spring and Autumn Annals is an ancient Chinese historical record covering the period from 722 to 481 BCE. It was traditionally attributed to Confucius and serves as a chronological chronicle of events in the state of Lu, emphasizing moral lessons and political ethics. Written in a concise, often cryptic style, it highlights key incidents, conflicts, and governance issues, reflecting the values of virtue and righteousness. This text is foundational in Chinese historiography, influencing later historical and philosophical works, and encapsulates the moral and political ideals of its time through brief, factual entries.