Sun Tzu's Milestones

Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher, best known for authoring The Art of War, a foundational text on strategy and warfare still studied today.
-470

Death (traditional)

Sun Tzu's exact date of death is unknown but is traditionally placed around this time.

Other January 1, -0470
-490

Historical debates

Debate over Sun Tzu's historicity and authorship began in the Song dynasty and continues among scholars.

Other January 1, -0490
-500

Later years and legacy

His teachings became influential in Chinese military thought and were preserved in the Seven Military Classics.

Other January 1, -0500
-506

Victory at Battle of Boju

Led Wu forces to victory against Chu at the Battle of Boju, cementing his reputation.

Achievement January 1, -0506

Wrote 'The Art of War'

Authored 'The Art of War,' a foundational text on military strategy and tactics.

Achievement January 1, -0506

Military victories and influence

Demonstrated the principles of his treatise through multiple military victories for Wu.

Achievement January 1, -0506 - January 1, -0500
-512

Appointed general of Wu

Appointed general and military strategist for King Helü of Wu, leading campaigns against the state of Chu.

Career January 1, -0512 - January 1, -0506

Summoned by King Helü of Wu

Summoned to the court of King Helü of Wu after his reputation as a strategist spread.

Career January 1, -0512

Legendary demonstration for King Helü

Famously demonstrated his military discipline by training the king's concubines as soldiers, executing two for disobedience (as per Sima Qian).

Other January 1, -0512
-545

Birth

Sun Tzu (Sun Wu) was born in the State of Qi, ancient China, near the end of the Spring and Autumn period.

Family January 1, -0545

Early life and background

Little is known about his early life; details are based on Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian.

Family January 1, -0545 - January 1, -0520
1

Posthumous influence

'The Art of War' became a key text in military, political, and business strategy worldwide, influencing leaders and thinkers for centuries.

Other January 1, 0001