Guo Shoujing

1231 – 1316

Guo Shoujing (1231-1316) was a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, and hydraulic engineer of the Yuan dynasty who served Kublai Khan. He created the Shoushi calendar, one of the most accurate calendars in pre-modern history, designed advanced astronomical instruments, and engineered the Tonghui Canal linking Dadu (Beijing) to the Grand Canal.

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Life events

Born in Xingtai, Hebei
1231

Guo Shoujing was born in Xingtai and was educated in mathematics and hydraulics, partly under the guidance of his learned grandfather Guo Rong.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied under the scholar-statesman Liu Bingzhong's circle
c. 1245

As a youth Guo Shoujing studied alongside future Yuan officials associated with Liu Bingzhong, gaining a grounding in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Entered the service of Kublai Khan as a hydraulic engineer
1262

Recommended to Kublai Khan for his skill in water management, Guo Shoujing was put in charge of waterway and irrigation projects in north China.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Surveyed and improved irrigation and waterways in the Gansu region
1264

Guo Shoujing repaired and extended canal and irrigation systems along the upper Yellow River region following the Mongol conquests.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed to lead the reform of the imperial calendar
1276

Kublai Khan charged Guo Shoujing and colleagues with creating a new calendar, for which he designed instruments such as the simplified armilla and a giant gnomon at Gaocheng.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Completed the Shoushi calendar
1280

The Shoushi (Season-Granting) calendar fixed the tropical year at 365.2425 days, matching the later Gregorian value, and was promulgated in 1281.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became head of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau
c. 1283

Guo Shoujing was made director of the Yuan astronomical observatory, overseeing observations conducted across the empire.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Completed the Tonghui Canal linking Dadu to the Grand Canal
1293

Guo Shoujing engineered the Tonghui Canal, which allowed grain barges to reach the Yuan capital Dadu (modern Beijing) directly.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Dadu (modern Beijing)
1316

Guo Shoujing remained in charge of astronomical matters into old age and died in the Yuan capital at about 85.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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