The treasure fleets of Zheng He
Decisions, questions and your own progress, in the app
A model of a Chinese treasure ship · Damián Morán Dauchez · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source page
An emperor's ambition
In 1405, the Ming emperor Yongle sent a huge fleet into the Indian Ocean. He chose Zheng He, a trusted court eunuch, to lead it. Zheng He was a Muslim from Yunnan in southwest China.
A floating city
about 28,000
The first voyage carried about 28,000 sailors, soldiers and officials. Some accounts describe more than 200 ships. The largest were probably among the biggest wooden ships of their age.
Seven great voyages
Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He led seven voyages. His fleets reached Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, Arabia and East Africa. They traded silk and porcelain and collected tribute for the emperor.
A giraffe for the emperor
In 1414, a giraffe from East Africa reached the Ming court by way of Bengal. Some officials linked it to the qilin, a creature of good fortune in Chinese legend.
The fleets go home
After Yongle died, the court turned against the costly voyages. The last one ended in 1433, and Zheng He probably died during it. China then largely stopped long-distance ocean voyages.
Why it still matters
Zheng He sailed the Indian Ocean decades before European ships arrived there. His voyages show the skill of Ming shipbuilders and sailors. He is still honoured in China and across Southeast Asia.
Review question
Which Chinese dynasty sent out Zheng He's fleets?
Answer: Ming. The Ming emperor Yongle launched the voyages in 1405. The Han and Qing dynasties ruled much earlier and later.
How many voyages did Zheng He lead?
Answer: Seven. Zheng He led seven voyages between 1405 and 1433. Yongle's grandson, the Xuande emperor, ordered the last one.
Image credits
- A model of a Chinese treasure ship · Damián Morán Dauchez · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source page
