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Ma Duanlin

1245 – 1322

Chinese historical writer and encyclopaedist

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About Ma Duanlin

Lived 1245 – 1322 (aged 76–77). Ma Duanlin was a Chinese politician, historian, gentry and scholar.

Ma Duanlin (1245–1322) was a Chinese historical writer and encyclopaedist. In 1317, during the Yuan Dynasty, he published the comprehensive Chinese encyclopedia Wenxian Tongkao in 348 volumes.

He was born to the family of Southern Song Minister of the East Ma Tingluan, who had an extensive collection of historical documents. From 1273, Ma Duanlin started the compilation of the Wenxian Tongkao using his father's collection and advice. After the death of his father, Ma Duanlin was called to serve the Yuan dynasty and later played an important role in reviving the educational system of China.

Ma Duanlin describes Champa, Chi Tu, Pan Pan, the Khmer Empire and the Kediri Kingdom. He describes Jayavarman VII's campaign against Champa for their 1177 invasion, stating "he decided to wreak terrible vengeance on his enemies, which succeeded in doing after eighteen years of patient dissimulation."

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Important facts

Born
1245, Leping
Birth century
Died
1322
Nationality
Also known as
Guiyu, Zhuzhou

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ma Duanlin's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ma Duanlin?

Chinese historical writer and encyclopaedist (1245-1322)

When was Ma Duanlin born?

Ma Duanlin was born in 1245 in Leping.

When did Ma Duanlin die?

Ma Duanlin died in 1322.

What was Ma Duanlin's occupation?

Ma Duanlin was a politician, historian, gentry and scholar.

What nationality was Ma Duanlin?

Ma Duanlin was Chinese.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ma Duanlin

· Wikidata: Q1206650

· DBpedia: Ma Duanlin

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ma Duanlin. https://biography.guide/ma-duanlin/

MLA: "Ma Duanlin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ma-duanlin/.

Chicago: "Ma Duanlin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ma-duanlin/.

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