China zu chongzhi biography

Zu Chongzhi's name is sometimes written as Tsu Ch'ung Chi. He came from a famous family who were originally from Hopeh province in northern China. His great grandfather was an official at the court of the Eastern Chin dynasty which had been established at Jiankang (now Nanking).

Weakened by court intrigues, the Eastern Chin dynasty was replaced after a revolt by the Liu-Sung dynasty in 420. Zu Chongzhi's grandfather and father both served as officials of the Liu-Sung dynasty which also had its court at Jiankang (now Nanking).

China zu chongzhi biography wikipedia

The Zu family was an extremely talented one with successive generations being, in addition to court officials, astronomers with special interests in the calendar. In ancient China there was a belief that an emperor received his right to rule from heaven.

Producng a calendar specifically for a new emperor established a link from the heavens to the particular ruler. This meant that astronomers had important roles at court for their skills could