Lu Ban
Lu Ban (, ?-?) was a famous architect of ancient China. His real name was Gongshu Ban (公输般). Because he lived in the Lu Dukedom during the Spring and Autumn Period (about 770 BC-476 BC) he is referred to as Lu Ban. Chinese carpenters and bricklayers think he was the first and greatest architect of China and worship him. According to the legend, he invented the Chinese saw, paper umbrella, and arch bridge. Since most ancient Chinese buildings were wooden structures, there are no buildings which were built by him standing. He only lives in the oral legends and some old documents. For example, legend attributes the building of the Zhaozhou Bridge to him.
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