Zhang Heng

Early Life

Zhang Heng was born in the year 78 in the town of Xie, located in the Nanyang Commandery (modern day Nanyang City in Henan province). His family was of modest means, but they valued education and encouraged Zhang's scholarly pursuits from a young age.

Education

Zhang Heng received a classical Chinese education, studying the Five Classics and the works of the philosopher Confucius. He also showed an early interest in astronomy, which would later become one of his main areas of expertise.

Career

In 112, Zhang Heng began his career as a minor official in Nanyang. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and dedication to his work. In 115, he was appointed as the Chief Astronomer and Mathematician for the Han court, a position he held for over 25 years.

Contributions to Astronomy

Zhang Heng made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. He is credited with the invention of the first seismoscope, a device used to detect earthquakes. He also developed a new lunar calendar, which was more accurate than previous versions.

Contributions to Mathematics

In addition to his work in astronomy, Zhang Heng was also a skilled mathematician. He is known for his work on spherical trigonometry, a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the angles and sides of spheres. He also made significant contributions to the field of geometry.

Contributions to Literature

Zhang Heng was not only a scientist and mathematician, but also a talented writer. He is known for his poetry, which often incorporated themes from his scientific work. His most famous poem, "The Western Metropolis Rhapsody," is considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature.

Death and Legacy

Zhang Heng died in 139 at the age of 61. His contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and literature have had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and science. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest scholars of the Han Dynasty.