Cause & Context
In 92 CE after Ban Gu's death, the Book of Han was left unfinished; Emperor He summoned to the Dongguan Imperial Library to complete the work.
Epochal Overview
compiled the Eight Tables and Treatise on Astronomy for the Book of Han, taught master scholars like Ma Rong behind screens at the imperial library, participated in court statecraft, and authored Lessons for Women.
Civilizational Impact
's completion of the Book of Han established rigorous dynastic historiographical paradigms, while her scholarship and Lessons for Women shaped institutional and cultural education.
Key Figures
Ban Zhao was China's first official female historian and classical master; Ban Gu was primary author of the Book of Han.