Sima qian quotes
Sima qian, the first emperor!
Sima Qian: Greatest Historian of China
Sima Qian (c. 145–87 BC) was a Chinese historian, astronomer, and calendar expert, renowned for writing the Shiji (“Historical Records”), the foremost history of China up to the 2nd century.
Sima qian pronunciation
Image: A sketch of Qian.
Sima Qian was born around 145 BC in Longmen, Xiayang (now Hancheng, Shaanxi province), during the early Han dynasty. His father, Sima Tan, held the prestigious position of grand historian at the Han court from 140 to 110 BC.
This role, sometimes translated as “astronomer royal,” was multifaceted, combining astronomical duties and calendar regulation with the responsibility of keeping a daily record of state events and court ceremonies.
The office of grand historian was crucial in maintaining the cultural and political continuity of the Han dynasty through meticulous record-keeping and astronomical observations.
Sima Qian’s upbringing was steeped in scholarly pursuits, influenced heavily b