According to traditional sources, such as the 2nd century BC biography written by Sima Qian, Sun Tzu was born

in Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period of China 722-481 BC and became a heroic general for the king of Wu, King Helu. His victories then inspired him to write The Art of War. The period was a time of constant war among seven nations (Zhao, Qi, Qin, Chu, Han, Wei and Yan) seeking to control all of China. During Spring and Autumn Period ( 722 to 476 BC) , King Hui reigned Eastern Shou Dynasty for 5 years (since 677 BC). Chen Wan, who fled from the Chen State to Qi in 672 BC because of civil unrest in Chen. Chen Wan changed his clan name from Chen to Tian and named Tian Wan when in Qi, and the Tian became a prominent family in the politics of the state. 125 years Later, during the reign of Duke Jing of Qi (547-490 BC), Tian Wans Descendants, Tian Shu was a minister in the Qi court, while Tian Rangju was an impoverished member of a lesser branch of the Tian clan. Later Tian Shu was granted a fief and a new subsurname of Sun, while Tian Rangju was made Grand Marshal (Da Sima) of the Qi and thus became known as Sima Rangju. Sima Rangju was the tactician who served the Qi State and wrote the military manual Sima Fa or Methods of Sima which was included in 7 military classic books. Tian Shu or Sun Shu was Sun Wus grandfather. At the time of the adoption of the Sun Sub-surname, Sun Wu was about 12 years old. It is not known if Sun Wu had any contact with Tian/Sima Rangju, but he might be inspired by Sima Rangju in writing The Art of War. Later Sun Family escaped from Qi to Wu state due to Qis political conflicts. During Sun Wu period, the Eastern Zhou period is also designated as the period of the Hundred Schools of Thought. This included Lao Zi and Kong Qiu, a Chinese thinker and social philosopher, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced Chinese thought and life.

Later General Wu Zixu recommended Sun Wu to King Helu of Wu. The king of Wu tested Sun Tzu's skills by commanding him to train a harem of 180 concubines into soldiers. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, appointing the two concubines most favored by the king as the company commanders. When Sun Tzu first ordered the concubines to face right, they giggled. In response, Sun Tzu said that the general, in this case himself, was responsible for ensuring that soldiers understood the commands given to them. Then, he reiterated the command, and again the concubines giggled. Sun Tzu then ordered the execution of the king's two favored concubines, to the king's protests. He explained that if the general's soldiers understood their Commands but did not obey, it was the fault of the officers. Sun Tzu also said that once a general was appointed, it was their duty to carry out their mission, even if the king protested. After both concubines were killed, new officers were chosen to replace them. Afterwards, both companies performed their maneuvers flawlessly. The Battle of Boju was fought in 506 BC between Wu and Chu forces. The Wu forces were led by Sun Zi, and they were ultimately victorious. Ch'u and Wu states were at war for about 50 years. Tensions culminated with this battle, and the related times of insecurity known as the warring states period ended in 220 BC. Sun Tzus 30,000 soldiers defeated Chus army of 300,000 soldiers. The battle was planned by He Lu of Wu and was acted out by Wu Zixu and Sun Zi. King Jing of Zhou alongside Yue, the butcher, were temporarily driven from the capital city of Chu, Ying, by the Wu attackers. This battle led to the invasion of the Ying town and its destruction. After retreat of the Wu state in 505 BC, both The King of Ch'u and the butcher came back to the town.

Fugai, a younger brother of Hel, led a rebellion. After beating Fugai, Hel was forced to leave Chu. Fugai later surrendered to Chu and settled there. In 495 BC, his son, King Fuchai of Wu, succeeded him. However, during the later part of his reign, his extravagance and obsession with , Xi Shi, a Yue beauty sent by Goujian of Yue, lead to the weakening of his state. In 484 BC after the death of Wu Zixu, Sun Wu became the advisor of Wu State. Later Sun Wu resigned, since he noticed the fall of Wu State and he could not convince King Fuchai to concentrate on managing the state. All the time, whilst ruling the kingdom of Yue, Goujian never relished in riches as a king, but instead ate food suited for peasants, as well as forcing himself to taste bile. This way, he could remember his humiliations while serving under the State of Wu. In 473 BC. King Goujian of Yue invaded Wu and was successful. Wu was destroyed and King Fuchai was forced to commit suicide. The Spring and Autumn Period was ended. After resigning from Wu State, Sun Tzu later proved on the battlefield that his theories were effective, that he had a successful military career, and that he wrote The Art of War based on his tested expertise.