Sima — The Marshal’s Art of War: One of the Seven Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

The Marshal's Art of War (also known as The Methods of the Sima) is a text discussing laws, regulations, government policies, military organization, military administration, discipline, basic values, tactics, and strategy. It is considered to be one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China. It was developed in the state of Qi during the 4th century BC, in the mid-Warring States period. The author was a famous Chinese military general during the Spring and Autumn period, often seen as the spiritual successor of Jiang Ziya. He served in the State of Qi, defending it from the states of Jin and Yan, and went as high in the army as Da Sima, the Minister of War. As a result, he is also sometimes called Sima Rangju. Little is known about his life due to the lack of historical records, but his thoughts and ideas passed on. This works is a composition of his works. He was highly praised by Sima Qian, a famous Chinese historian.