Chen Shou

Quick Facts: Who was Chen Shou?

Subject:

Chen Shou

Known for:

Renowned Chinese historian author of the comprehensive Records of the Three Kingdoms.

Born:

233

Died:

297

Century / Era:

233s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Chen Shou (Chinese: 陳壽; 233 to 297), courtesy name Chengzuo (承祚), was a Chinese historian and official of Shu Han and the Western Jin dynasty. He studied under the scholar Qiao Zhou and held offices in Shu before entering Jin service after Shu's conquest in 263. Chen Shou compiled the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), a 65-volume history of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu organized mainly as biographies. He drew on earlier histories of Wei and Wu and collected materials for Shu, which had no comparable official history. The work later became part of the Twenty-Four Histories.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

There are two biographies of Chen Shou. The first one is in the Chronicles of Huayang, which was written by Chang Qu in the fourth century during the Eastern Jin dynasty. The second one is in the Book of Jin, which was written by Fang Xuanling and others in the seventh century during the Tang dynasty. He started his career as an official in the state of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era but was demoted and sent out of the capital for his refusal to fawn on Huang Hao, an influential court eunuch in Shu in its twilight years. After the fall of Shu in 263, Chen Shou's career entered a period of stagnation before Zhang Hua recommended him to serve in the Jin government.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He held mainly scribal and secretarial positions under the Jin government before dying from illness in 297. He had over 200 writings – about 30 of which he co-wrote with his relatives – attributed to him. Chen Shou was from Anhan County (安漢縣), Baxi Commandery (巴西郡), which is in present-day Nanchong, Sichuan. He was known for being studious since he was young and was described as intelligent, insightful and knowledgeable. He was mentored by the Shu official Qiao Zhou, who was also from Baxi Commandery.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 233: Birth of Chen Shou — Renowned Chinese historian author of the comprehensive Records of the Three Kingdoms.
2. 297: Passing & Historical Legacy — Chen Shou passed away on 297, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Chen Shou

True or False: “Chen Shou's primary historical work, the Sanguozhi, was compiled using materials from official histories of Wei and Wu.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that he drew on earlier histories of Wei and Wu while collecting materials for Shu.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Porphyry of Tyre — Contemporary (Born in 233) (233): Phoenician Neoplatonist philosopher, known for editing the Enneads and the Isagoge.
• Cao Zhi — Contemporary figure (Died in 232) (232): Accomplished poet and prince of Cao Wei during China's Three Kingdoms period.
• Zhuge Liang — Contemporary figure (Died in 234) (234): Master strategist and chancellor who architected the state of Shu Han.
• Cassius Dio — Contemporary figure (Died in 235) (235): Roman historian and senator whose work chronicled ancient Rome in Koine Greek.
• Claudius Aelianus — Contemporary figure (Died in 235) (235): Prominent Roman author and teacher of rhetoric, known for his natural history works.
• Emperor Wu of Jin — Contemporary figure (Born in 236) (236): Founder of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Yan unified China after the collapse of Cao Wei.
• Meng Da — Contemporary figure (Died in 228) (228): Military general who served various warlords during China's tumultuous Three Kingdoms period.
• Maximinus Thrax — Contemporary figure (Died in 238) (238): Roman Emperor of the Crisis of the Third Century, known as 'Thrax'
• 233 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 233
• 297 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 297

Frequently Asked Questions about Chen Shou