Su Shi

MedievalPoliticianChina1037 — 1101

Song official and the greatest poet of the dynasty.

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Quick Facts

Born

1037

Died

1101

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)37

Influence (20%)40

Legacy (20%)75

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score50.1

Su Shi — Complete Timeline

1057 AD

Passed the Imperial ExaminationPolitical Action◆ Major

Su Shi passed the jinshi examination at age 20, earning the highest honors. His essays impressed the examiner Ouyang Xiu, who predicted Su Shi would surpass him in literary fame. This launched Su Shi's career as a Song official and poet.

Imperial ExaminationCareer StartSong Dynasty

Impact: nationalconstructive

1080 AD

Exiled to Huangzhou after the Crow Terrace Poetry IncidentPolitical Action◆ Major

Su Shi was arrested and tried for writing poems allegedly criticizing the emperor and the New Policies of Wang Anshi. He was exiled to Huangzhou, where he wrote some of his most famous works, including 'Red Cliff' poems, and adopted the literary name Dongpo.

ExileLiterary PersecutionSong Dynasty

Impact: nationaltragic

1089 AD

Served as Governor of Hangzhou and Built the Su CausewayReform◆ Major

As governor of Hangzhou, Su Shi oversaw the dredging of West Lake and used the excavated silt to build a causeway, later named the Su Causeway. This infrastructure project improved transportation and water management, becoming a lasting landmark.

InfrastructureHangzhouWest Lake

constructive

1097 AD

Exiled to Hainan IslandPolitical Action◆ Major

Su Shi was exiled to Danzhou on Hainan Island, the most remote exile destination in the Song empire. Despite harsh conditions, he continued to write poetry and teach local residents, leaving a cultural legacy in the region.

ExileHainanSong Dynasty

Impact: nationaltragic