7th century BCE, Chinese, historical figure, quotes
Sima Qian 司馬遷 (c. 145-86 BC) seems to have been the first historian to speak of the jester’s role, including the key characteristic of using their freedom and humour to offer advice or criticism. For example, he describes the jester You Meng 優孟 (Jester Meng)...
10th century, 7th century BCE, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Southern Tang, stories
In China, as in Europe, there are examples of jesters addressing the delicate issue of the ruler’s neglecting affairs of state due to over indulgence in wine or other distractions. We’ll be sharing these in the coming months, but for now, in general they...
1st millennium BCE, 2nd millennium BCE, 3rd millennium BCE, 7th century BCE, Babylonian, China, Chinese, East Asia, Egypt, Egyptian, historical figure, Mesopotamia, Middle East, primary source, quotes, research
The first specific reference we have (so far) to what might be a jester concerns a dwarf or a pygmy in ancient Egypt during the reign of Neferkere (Pepi II, r. from c. 2278 BCE). An official wrote to the Pharaoh mentioning a dancing dwarf he had found, and Pepi II...
7th century BCE, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
As far as we know, the first Chinese jester on (available) record is Jester Shi (You Shi) who served Duke Xian during the reign of King Huiwang (r. 676-652 BC). He may even be the first relatively reliable historic record of a named jester anywhere, though this is a...
