Zhang Heng

Zhang Heng was a Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman from Nanyang. He was an astronomer, mathematician, seismologist, hydraulic engineer, inventor, geographer, cartographer, ethnographer, artist, poet, philosopher, politician, and literary scholar. His fu and shi poetry were renowned in his time and studied and analyzed by later Chinese writers.

About Zhang Heng in brief

Zhang Heng was a Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman from Nanyang. He was an astronomer, mathematician, seismologist, hydraulic engineer, inventor, geographer, cartographer, ethnographer, artist, poet, philosopher, politician, and literary scholar. His uncompromising stance on historical and calendrical issues led to his becoming a controversial figure. He invented the world’s first water-powered armillary sphere to assist astronomical observation; improved the inflow water clock by adding another tank; and invented the first seismoscope, which discerned the cardinal direction of an earthquake 500 km away. His fu and shi poetry were renowned in his time and studied and analyzed by later Chinese writers. Zhang received many posthumous honors for his scholarship and ingenuity; some modern scholars have compared his work in astronomy to that of the Greco-Roman Ptolemy. Zhang Heng came from a distinguished but not very affluent family. His grandfather Zhang Kan had been governor of a commandery and one of the leaders who supported the restoration of the Han by Emperor Guangwu, following the death of the usurping Wang Mang of the Xin. When he was ten, Zhang’s father died, leaving him in the care of his mother and grandmother. Zhang continued his studies in astronomy at the age of thirty and began publishing his works on astronomy and mathematics at age 40. He died there a year later, in 139, after serving his first term from 115–120 under Emperor An and his second term from 126–132 under Emperor Shun.

He became a subordinate to the succeeding emperor, succeeding to Emperor An in 132–132–132. Zhang returned home to Nanyan for a short time, before being recalled to serve in the capital once more in 138. He spent much of his time composing rodies on the work at home as minister of finance, literary work, finance, and finance. Zhang was also responsible for local appointments to office and recommendations to the capital and recommendations of nominees for higher office. His political rivalry with the palace eunuchs during the reign of Emperor Shuns led to him decision to retire from the central court to serve as an administrator of Hejian Kingdom in present-day Hebei. Zhang died there in 139 and was succeeded by his son, Zhang Xiu. He is buried in the city of Luoyang, where he became an official symbol of his status—a symbol of the status of his official status—to Luoyan. He also wrote a book on the history of the city and its people, which was published in 17th century. His son later wrote a biography of him, titled “Zhang Xiu: A Biography of a Man of the Qin Dynasty” (1911-17). He was also a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and served as an advisor to the head of state for the First Emperor, Emperor Gaozong. His grandson, Zhang Yimou, was also an official in the Second Emperor, serving as an adviser to the Emperor.

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