The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Zheng He

Zheng He (1371 — 1433), also known as Cheng Ho, was a Chinese admiral, explorer, and diplomat during the Ming Dynasty. He is best known for leading a series of maritime expeditions known as the "Treasure Voyages," which took place between 1405 and 1433. Zheng He's voyages played a crucial role in establishing China's presence and influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. Here are the key facts about Zheng He:

Early Life and Background:
- Zheng He was born in Kunyang, Yunnan Province, China, in 1371. He was of Hui Muslim descent.
- He was captured as a young boy during a conflict, castrated, and sent to serve as a eunuch in the imperial court.

Rise in the Imperial Court:
- Zheng He's intelligence, loyalty, and naval skills led him to rise through the ranks of the imperial court.
- He gained favor with Emperor Yongle, who entrusted him with leadership roles and later appointed him as the commander of the Treasure Fleet.

Treasure Voyages:
- The Treasure Voyages were a series of seven maritime expeditions under Zheng He's command.
- The voyages aimed to showcase Chinese power, establish diplomatic ties, and enhance trade with foreign nations, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

Fleet and Voyages:
- Zheng He's expeditions included large fleets of ships, numbering in the hundreds, accompanied by thousands of crew members.
- The fleet's size and sophistication were unparalleled during the time, with ships reaching up to 400 feet in length.

Destinations and Diplomacy:
- Zheng He's voyages reached various destinations, including Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and East Africa.
- He conducted diplomatic missions, exchanged gifts with foreign rulers, and established Chinese influence and trade connections.

Exploration and Knowledge Exchange:
- Zheng He's expeditions contributed to significant knowledge exchange in terms of trade, culture, and technology.
- Chinese innovations, such as compasses, shipbuilding techniques, and naval navigation, were shared with other civilizations.

Return and End of Expeditions:
- Zheng He completed his final voyage in 1433.
- The exact reasons for the end of the Treasure Voyages are debated among historians, with factors such as changing imperial policies, costs, and internal conflicts playing a role.

Legacy and Influence:
- Zheng He's voyages left a lasting impact on the regions he visited, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing maritime trade networks.
- His expeditions are seen as an example of China's impressive maritime capabilities during the Ming Dynasty.

Later Perspectives and Rediscovery:
- Zheng He's achievements were highlighted in the book "The Travels of Zheng He" written by Liang Qihao in the early 20th century.
- In modern times, Zheng He is celebrated as a symbol of China's maritime history and its global engagement.

Monuments and Commemoration:
- Monuments, museums, and cultural institutions in China and other countries pay homage to Zheng He and his contributions to exploration and cultural exchange.

Zheng He's voyages stand as a testament to China's early maritime prowess and its contributions to global exploration and trade. His legacy as a skilled navigator, diplomat, and explorer continues to be celebrated as a significant chapter in world history.