Sima Qian was a Chinese historian who lived during the Han Dynasty, around 145 to 86 BCE. He is best known for writing the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), which is considered one of the most important historical texts in Chinese literature. This work covers over two thousand years of Chinese history, detailing the lives of emperors, notable figures, and significant events. Sima Qian faced challenges in his life, including imprisonment and castration due to defending a general. Despite these hardships, he continued his work, emphasizing the importance of history and its lessons. His dedication has made him a foundational figure in the field of history in China.