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Active in China from [[1616]] until his death in [[Beijing]] in [[1666]], Schall von Bell was present in Beijing in [[1644]] when the city fell to the rebel forces of [[Li Zicheng]], and subsequently to those of the [[Manchu]] Qing Dynasty. While many of his compatriots were captured, or fled along with [[Ming loyalists]], Schall von Bell stayed put. He not only survived the sacking of the city, but was soon afterward named head of the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy by the Manchu regent [[Dorgon]], so that he could use his knowledge of European astronomical techniques to ascertain a more precise calendar, and better predict significant astronomical events. Schall von Bell quickly came to be favored as well by the young [[Shunzhi Emperor]], six years old in 1644, who called him "grandfather" and regularly had him join in on court discussions of religion and politics. Shunzhi also permitted Schall von Bell to establish a church in the city.

Active in China from [[1616]] until his death in [[Beijing]] in [[1666]], Schall von Bell was present in Beijing in [[1644]] when the city fell to the rebel forces of [[Li Zicheng]], and subsequently to those of the [[Manchu]] Qing Dynasty. While many of his compatriots were captured, or fled along with [[Ming loyalists]], Schall von Bell stayed put. He not only survived the sacking of the city, but was soon afterward named head of the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy by the Manchu regent [[Dorgon]], so that he could use his knowledge of European astronomical techniques to ascertain a more precise calendar, and better predict significant astronomical events. Schall von Bell quickly came to be favored as well by the young [[Shunzhi Emperor]], six years old in 1644, who called him "grandfather" and regularly had him join in on court discussions of religion and politics. Shunzhi also permitted Schall von Bell to establish a church in the city.

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