Sima Qian (145-87) was born in xia yang (now Hancheng, Shaanxi). His father, Sima Tan, was knowledgeable and proficient in astronomical ephemeris and the study of Huang Lao. When Emperor Wu moved to Chang 'an, he became an official. Sima Qian went to Chang 'an with his father when he was ten years old, and he was greatly influenced by his father in his thoughts, personality and academic attitude. After arriving in Chang 'an, I studied under Dong Zhongshu, a master of Confucian classics, and received a Confucian education. When Sima Tan died, he left his ideal and desire to write history to Sima Qian. Three years later, Sima Qian succeeded Taishiling and began to collect and sort out historical themes. In the first year of Shu Tai (before 104), he began to write history books at the age of 42.
In the second year of Tian Han (the first 99 years), the Li Ling case broke out. Sima Qian was found guilty of writing a letter to save Li, and was imprisoned for "corruption" the following year. This is a great destruction and shame for him. He once thought about suicide, but he also thought that unfinished works should not be lighter than death. Finally, he saw a way out from the sufferings of many ancient sages and determined to complete his ambition of writing history books. Two years later, he was released from prison and transferred to the secretariat, but he didn't want to be an official and actively wrote. In the second year of Zheng He (9 1 the first year), he finally wrote the Historical Records, and Sima Qian's story is not to be tested. He probably died in the last year of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
Sima Qian's Historical Records is a great historical masterpiece that he devoted his life to. From the legendary Yellow Emperor to the era of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, the development of China's 3,000-year history is summarized. * * * One hundred and thirty: Twelve biographies, which describe some important political deeds according to the lineage and age of the emperor. Ten Chapters Table is an important event between emperors and generals in past dynasties. There are eight books in the book, which are devoted to economic and cultural aspects. There are thirty articles in Home, which are about the vassal kingdom and the heroes who helped the Han Dynasty. (Confucius is not a prince, except when he is included in the family. There are 70 biographies, all of which are biographies of ordinary people. The book is * * * 526,500 words.