# Ban Gu

> Chinese historian, politician and poet (AD 32–92)

**Wikidata**: [Q439681](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q439681)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ban_Gu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ban-gu

## Summary
Ban Gu was a Chinese historian, politician, and poet who lived during the Eastern Han dynasty (AD 32–92). He is most famous for compiling the *Book of Han*, the official history of China's Western Han dynasty, which was completed under the Eastern Han in 111.

## Biography
- Born: AD 32
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Compiling the *Book of Han*
- Employer(s): Eastern Han dynasty
- Field(s): History, politics, poetry

## Contributions
- **Book of Han (111)**: Ban Gu led the compilation of this monumental historical work, which became the definitive account of the Western Han dynasty. His efforts ensured the preservation of Han dynasty history for future generations.

## FAQs
- **What was Ban Gu's primary occupation?**
  Ban Gu was primarily a historian, known for his work on the *Book of Han*. He also held political positions and was a poet.

- **Where did Ban Gu work?**
  Ban Gu served during the Eastern Han dynasty, contributing to imperial governance and historical documentation.

- **What is Ban Gu best known for?**
  Ban Gu is best known for compiling the *Book of Han*, a foundational historical text of the Western Han dynasty.

## Why They Matter
Ban Gu's *Book of Han* remains a cornerstone of Chinese historical scholarship, providing essential insights into the Western Han dynasty. His work laid the groundwork for future historians and helped shape the understanding of early imperial China. Without his contributions, the historical record of the Han dynasty would be far less complete.

## Notable For
- Compiled the *Book of Han* (111), the official history of the Western Han dynasty.
- Served as a historian, politician, and poet during the Eastern Han dynasty.

## Body
### Early Life
Ban Gu was born in AD 32, during the Eastern Han dynasty. Little is known about his early life, but he later became a prominent figure in imperial administration and historical scholarship.

### Career
Ban Gu held political positions within the Eastern Han dynasty, contributing to governance and historical documentation. His most significant achievement was the compilation of the *Book of Han*, which was completed in 111.

### Contributions
The *Book of Han* is a monumental work that provides a comprehensive account of the Western Han dynasty. Ban Gu's efforts ensured the preservation of Han dynasty history, making it an essential resource for historians and scholars.

### Influence
Ban Gu's *Book of Han* remains a foundational text in Chinese historical studies. It has influenced generations of historians and continues to be referenced in academic research. His work helped solidify the historical record of the Han dynasty, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

### Legacy
Ban Gu's contributions to history and literature have left a lasting impact on Chinese culture. The *Book of Han* remains a cornerstone of historical scholarship, providing valuable insights into the Western Han dynasty. His work as a historian, politician, and poet has shaped the understanding of early imperial China.

## References

1. China Biographical Database
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Japan Search
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. Integrated Authority File
10. SNAC
11. Trove
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. CERL Thesaurus
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
15. Catalogo of the National Library of India