Sima Qian

Sima Qian succeeded his father Sima Tan as Grand Historian (Taishi) of the Han court. This position gave him access to the imperial archives and library, providing the resources necessary to compile a comprehensive history of China from ancient times to the Han dynasty.

Sima Qian spoke in defense of General Li Ling, who had surrendered to the Xiongnu after a failed campaign. Emperor Wu of Han interpreted this as criticism of his brother-in-law Li Guangli, who had also performed poorly. Sima Qian was sentenced to death for defaming the emperor.

Sima Qian chose castration over execution or a fine to continue his historical work. Under Han law, castration was one of the Five Punishments and carried immense social stigma. He endured this to complete the Records of the Grand Historian, viewing his work as a duty to his father and to history.

Sima Qian completed the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), a 130-chapter work covering 2,000 years of Chinese history from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Wu of Han. It introduced the annals-biography format, established the model for Chinese historiography, and included treatises on economics, astronomy, and music.