Sima Guang was from the Northern Song Dynasty.
Sima Guang (November 17, 1019, October 11, 1086), known as Junshi, was born in Guangshan, Guangzhou, now Xia County, Shaanxi Province (now Xia County, Shanxi Province). Known as Mr. Shushui, a politician, historian and writer in the Northern Song Dynasty, he claimed to be a descendant of Sima Fu, the king of Anping in the Western Jin Dynasty. In the first year of Song Renzong's treasure (1038), he was a scholar and a scholar. During the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty, he opposed Wang Anshi's reform of the law, left the imperial court for fifteen years, and presided over the compilation of the chronicle general history "Zizhi Tongjian". The four dynasties of Li Shi Renzong, Yingzong, Shenzong, and Zhezong, the official Zhishang Shu's left servant shot and served as a servant. In the first year of Yuanyou (1086), he died, and was posthumously presented to Taishi and Wen Guogong, and was nicknamed Wenzheng. Listed as "Yuanyou Party People", worthy of enjoying the temple court of Song Zhezong, graphic Zhaoxun Pavilion; From the temple of Confucius, called "the first Confucian Sima"; From the temple of the emperors of the past dynasties.
Politically, Sima Guang belongs to the conservative faction. As early as the time of Song Renzong, he was critical of Wang Anshi's reforms, and during the Song Dynasty, he joined conservatives in opposing Wang Anshi's reforms. He advocated the preservation of traditional policies and institutions, believing that they could maintain social stability and prosperity. Therefore, he opposed any form of radical reform and change, and advocated the gradual improvement of existing policies and institutions.
Academically, Sima Guang was a famous historian and writer of the Northern Song Dynasty. His book Zizhi Tongjian is one of the most famous chronicles in Chinese history, revealing the laws and lessons of history through detailed records and analysis of historical events, and providing valuable experience and inspiration for future generations. In addition, he is also the author of "The Records of Lianshui" and "Wen Guowen Zheng Sima Gongwen Collection", which shows his profound attainments in literature and historiography.
In short, Sima Guang was an important politician, historian, and writer during the Northern Song Dynasty. His political ideas and scholarly achievements have had a profound impact on Chinese history and culture.