Liu Zhiji

Liu Zhiji , courtesy name Zixuan , was a historian and author of the ''Shitong'' born in present-day during the Tang Dynasty. Liu's father Liu Zangqi and elder brother Liu Zhirou were official, and famous for their literary composition during the 7th century. He received his Imperial Examination degree in 680, and began working on several compilations with others in the court in 699. In 708, he decided to resign himself and started compiling the ''Shitong''.