Lao Tzu (/╦Иla╩К ╦Иtsu╦Р, -╦Иdz╩М/), also rendered as Laozi (UK: /╦Мla╩К╦Иz╔к╔Щr/; Chinese: шАБхнР, Mandarin: [l├аu.ts╔╣╠й]; commonly translated as "Old Master") and Lao-Tze (/╦Иla╩К ╦Иdze╔к/), was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. A semi-legendary figure, Lao Tzu is usually portrayed as a 6th-century BC contemporary of Confucius in the Spring and Autumn period. However, some modern historians consider him to have lived during the Warring States period of the 4th century BC. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage. Laozi's work has been embraced by both various anti-authoritarian movements and Chinese Legalism.[