The Methods of the Sima

Considered to be one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China, it is not currently known who exactly composed the Methods of the Sima. Modern historians suggest that it was likely compiled from various extant military treatises existing in the state of Qi in the fourth century BC during the ‘Warring States’ period. It is generally accredited to a prominent commander of Qi forces of that time, Sima Rangju, who seems to have been ‘Minister of War’. Only five of the 155 chapters reported in the Han dynasty exist, all editions of the Methods of the Sima seem to be remnants of a larger, more extensive work.