Records of the Grand Historian
The "Records of the Grand Historian," or Shiji, is a monumental work of Chinese history written by Sima Qian during the Han Dynasty. Completed around 94 BCE, it covers over two thousand years of history, from the legendary Yellow Emperor to the author's own time. The text is divided into sections, including annals, treatises, and biographies, providing a comprehensive account of various dynasties, notable figures, and significant events.
This historical record is considered one of the foundational texts of Chinese historiography. It established a narrative style that influenced later historians and remains a crucial source for understanding ancient China, its culture, and its political developments.