Sun Tzu (544 BC – 496 BC) also called Sun Wu, was an ancient Chinese general, military expert, and philosopher. He is widely believed to have been the writer of the most important work of military strategy and theory, The Art of War.[1] His name means "Master Sun". His family name is Sun, Tzu is an honorific (title of respect) meaning "master."
Most of what is known about Sun Tzu comes from Ssu-ma Ch'ien's Shih chi, also called the Records of the Grand Historian.[2] According to Ssu-ma, Sun Tzu lived during the era called the Spring and Autumn Period of China[3] (770 to 476 BC).