1. "Seven-foot man" is a term used after Qin Shihuang unified weights and measures. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, a foot was about 23 to 24 centimeters, which is about 161-168 centimeters today. However, the length represented by "chi" was different in different dynasties.
2. Historical records:
The "Book of Han" written by Bangu of the Eastern Han Dynasty mentioned that "Guang was a man of calm and careful consideration, seven feet and three inches long, fair complexion, sparse eyebrows and eyes, and a beautiful beard and beard. "It means that Huo Guang is a calm man, seven feet three inches tall, with fair skin, handsome features, and a nice beard.
At the same time, the "Book of Han" also mentioned that "the reckless man is extravagant, his mouth is twitching, his eyes are red, and he hisses loudly. He is seven feet and five inches long, likes thick shoes and a high crown, and wears yak clothes. "Wang Mang has a big mouth and a low chin, with red eyes. He is seven feet five inches tall. He likes to wear thick shoes and a tall hat and looks down at his surroundings.
The poem "A Boat on the Yellow River" by Sun Zhiwei of the Qing Dynasty: "Although seven feet is useless, it can still be shocking when approaching the depth." It means that although seven feet is useless, it is just right when approaching the depth. Aying's "Yuan Zhonglang Becomes an Official": "Even though I am unworthy and stupid, how can I exchange my seven feet for an official position." It means that although I am stupid and incompetent, can I exchange my seven feet for an official position?
It can be seen from here that both Huo Guang and Wang Mang are taller than the seven-foot-old men in ancient times. Their heights were prominent in the Han Dynasty, about 171 cm and 176 cm.
Extended information
Changes in the length of "one foot" in ancient times and the meaning of "seven feet"
1. Changes in the length of "one foot" in ancient times< /p>
Shang Dynasty: one foot is 16.95cm today;
Zhou Dynasty to Han Dynasty: one foot is 23.5cm today;
Three Kingdoms: one foot is 24.2cm today ;
Southern Dynasty: one foot is about 25.8cm;
Northern Dynasty: one foot is 30.9cm today;
Sui Dynasty: one foot is 29.6cm today;< /p>
Tang Dynasty: one foot is 30.7cm today;
Song and Yuan Dynasty: one foot is 31.68cm today;
Ming and Qing Dynasty: carpentry: one foot is 31.1cm today .
A modern foot is about 33.3cm, and three feet is equal to 1 foot.
2. The meaning of "seven feet"
1. It refers to the age of twenty. From "Zhou Li·Di Guan·Xiang Dafu": "All men from seven feet to sixty in the country will be conscripted." This means that all men in the country from twenty to sixty years old will be conscripted.
2. Refers to the body. The human body is about seven feet long as an ancient ruler, hence its name. From the "Inscription of Wang Jian, Taiwei of Qi" written by Shen Yue of the Southern Dynasty: "To serve the country, forget seven feet to serve the king." It means to dedicate every bit of oneself to the country and forget oneself to serve the king.
Reference materials:
Baidu Encyclopedia - One Foot
Baidu Encyclopedia - Seven Feet