The writing of history has evolved greatly over time thanks to the contributions of many people. In the modern sense, it dates back to ancient Greece and China, where historians Herodotus and Sima Qian began keeping records of human existence. Although they were not literally the first to write history, together they are named the first great historians of the Western and Eastern world because of their individual innovations and extensive work that has long influenced the writing of history to the present day. There is much to debate regarding the greatness of these ancient historians, and although some believe that they were both important and successful in what their works, The Histories and Records of a Historian, have accomplished, others think quite the opposite. Thomas R. Martin, the author of Herodotus and Sima Qian: The First Great Historians of Greece and China, argues that the two men indeed played an essential role in the progression of the writing of history throughout the time. In my opinion, Herodotus and Sima Qian have made enormous progress in writing history, and their titles as the first great historians of the Western and Eastern world are very appropriate. Martin clearly explains the importance of analyzing the greatness of Herodotus and Sima Qian. is based on the fact that neither of these historians had any idea of ​​the other's work, but developed their story in a similar way. Common ideas and themes emerged in their two styles of writing history. It is also important to understand their personal accomplishments and the differences in their works in order to show what makes them individually great. Herodotus and Sima Qian lived in very different historical periods, but Martin explains that the nature of their historical writing...... middle of paper ......stions on restrictions on women's roles in society Chinese.Herodotus and Sima Qian were undoubtedly great historians because of their substantial progress in writing history. Thomas R. Martin concludes that the connection between Herodotus and Sima Qian lies in their shared goal of creating history as a guide to the past, and that the history they create is left to individual interpretation. Although the time period, backgrounds, and situations of the two historians are very different, comparing their works provides an opportunity to examine the writing of history across cultures and across the world. Their ability to write long and complex stories about the times they lived in and the circumstances they faced made them great historians. The way they composed their material and shared it with the world must be recognized and taken into account..