The Great Explorer Zheng He
In the fifteenth century, China was the world’s most powerful nation and zheng he was its most famous explorer. Born in 1371 in Chinas Yunnan Province, he was the grandson of a Muslim prince and an aborigine woman. Zheng Hes strength and ambition won him favor with Chinese Emperor Yongle, who was in charge of the country at the time and wanted to expand the Chinese Empire.
Yongle believed in the power of exploration and commissioned seven voyages by Zheng He, who explored as far north as Siberia, south to the coast of East Africa and west to the Arabian Peninsula. During his voyages, Zheng He established Chinese authority in dozens of ports and built relationships with rulers of dozens of kingdoms.
Though Zheng Hes voyages expedited the spread of trade, culture, and religion from China, they also enable the transport of goods and materials from around the world. Through the introduction of the waterwheel and improved navigation skills, Zheng Hes innovations left a lasting impact on world history.
Upon his death in 1433, Zheng He was lauded as a national hero and a model of loyalty to the Chinese Empire. He is one of the central figures mentioned in many Chinese and Asian stories, books, plays and films. His explorations continued to influence Chinese maritime policy for centuries afterwards.
Zheng Hes voyages and innovations are a testament to the lasting power of exploration and human ambition, and their importance in world history. His voyages established relationships between China and dozens of other nations, facilitating new trade and societies. He is remembered, even to this day, as a beacon of progress and progressivism.
