Ssu-ma Ch'ien definitions
| Word backwards | am-usS nei'hC |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Proper noun |
| Syllabic division | Ssu-ma Ch'ien has a syllable separation of Ssu-ma Ch'ien. |
| Plural | The plural form of Ssu-ma Ch'ien is Ssu-ma Ch'ien. |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (4) | u,a,i,e |
| Consonants (6) | s,m,c,h,n |
Ssu-ma Ch'ien, also known as Sima Qian, was a famous Chinese historian who lived during the Han dynasty. He is often regarded as the "Father of Chinese Historiography" for his monumental work, Records of the Grand Historian, which covers the history of China from ancient times to his own era.
Early Life and Career
Ssu-ma Ch'ien was born in a prestigious family in the state of Han. His father, Ssu-ma Tan, was a renowned historian and served as the Grand Historiographer at the imperial court. Following in his father's footsteps, Ssu-ma Ch'ien also entered government service and became an official historian.
Historical Contributions
Records of the Grand Historian, Ssu-ma Ch'ien's most significant work, set the standard for Chinese historical writing. This monumental text covers a vast range of topics, including politics, culture, philosophy, and biographies of notable figures. Ssu-ma Ch'ien's meticulous research and attention to detail have made his work invaluable to historians and scholars.
Imprisonment and Legacy
Despite his contributions to Chinese historiography, Ssu-ma Ch'ien faced adversity in his later years. Due to his defense of General Li Ling, who suffered a defeat against the Xiongnu tribes, Ssu-ma Ch'ien was imprisoned and sentenced to hard labor. However, even in captivity, he continued his historical work, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to preserving China's history.
Records of the Grand Historian remains a monumental work in Chinese historiography and has had a lasting impact on the study of China's past. Ssu-ma Ch'ien's dedication to his craft and his willingness to endure personal hardship for his principles have cemented his legacy as one of the most important historians in Chinese history.
Ssu-ma Ch'ien Examples
- Ssu-ma Ch'ien is often referred to as the Father of Chinese Historiography.
- The historical records compiled by Ssu-ma Ch'ien provide valuable insights into ancient Chinese history.
- Many scholars study the works of Ssu-ma Ch'ien to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese society in ancient times.
- Ssu-ma Ch'ien's writing style is admired for its clarity and detail.
- The biographies written by Ssu-ma Ch'ien offer glimpses into the lives of prominent figures in ancient China.
- Ssu-ma Ch'ien's comprehensive approach to history has had a lasting impact on the field of historiography.
- Many historians consider Ssu-ma Ch'ien's work to be the foundation of Chinese historical writing.
- Ssu-ma Ch'ien's accounts of major events in Chinese history are still referenced by scholars today.
- The Records of the Grand Historian, written by Ssu-ma Ch'ien, is a monumental work that covers a wide range of historical topics.
- Ssu-ma Ch'ien's contributions to Chinese historiography are highly regarded in academic circles.