Historical figures mentioned in my article 59

Sima Qian司马迁, courtesy name Zichang子长, was a great historian, writer, and thinker of the Western Han Dynasty（202BC-9AD） in China. Succeeding his father, Sima Tan司马谈, as the Grand Historian (太史令), he authored the great historical work "Records of the Grand Historian" (《史记》) .

In his youth, Sima Qian studied under his father and received education in the "Spring and Autumn Annals春秋" from Dong Zhongshu董仲舒, while consulting Kong Anguo孔安国 on doubts regarding the "Book of Documents尚书". At the age of twenty, he embarked on a journey across the Yangtze, Xiang湘 River, Yuan沅 River, Huai淮 River, Si泗 River, Yellow River, and other regions, investigating historical sites, collecting legends, and studying local customs. Later, as a court attendant (郎中), he accompanied Emperor Wu汉武帝（r.141-87BC） on inspections of northwestern commanderies.

In 111 BC, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to the southwestern regions. The following year, his father passed away, entrusting him with the task of compiling a historical record. After assuming the role of Grand Historian, Sima Qian gained access to the imperial archives and began gathering historical materials.

In 104 BC, Sima Qian proposed and led a calendar reform, collaborating with dozens of officials to establish the "Taichu Calendar太初历", which designated the first month as the start of the year. He then commenced the compilation of his historical work.

In 98 BC, Sima Qian incurred Emperor Wu’s wrath by defending Li Ling李陵, a general who had surrendered to the Xiongnu匈奴. He was imprisoned and sentenced to castration. Released in 96 BC, he was appointed as the Palace Secretary (中书令).

Despite enduring humiliation, Sima Qian persevered in his monumental work. Drawing on classics , along with philosophical texts, official archives, and his own fieldwork, he ultimately completed the "Records of the Grand Historian". This work, was the first comprehensive biographical general history of China, aiming to “study the relationship between heaven and man, comprehend the changes of past and present, and establish a unique school of thought.” Its influence has been profound and enduring.

After Sima Qian’s death, the "Records of the Grand Historian" was kept within his family until his grandson, Yang Yun杨恽, presented it to the public during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han汉宣帝（r.74-48BC）.