The Seven Voyages of Zheng He - Summary on a map

Summary

In 1368, the Ming dynasty emerged in China, and Zheng He, born in Yunnan, was captured and became a eunuch at 13. Rising through ranks, he led seven maritime expeditions from 1405 to 1433 to establish diplomatic relations, trade, and showcase Ming power. His fleet reached as far as Africa, bringing back exotic animals. Despite initial success, financial strain led to the expeditions' suspension, and Zheng He's records were later lost.

Takeaways

• 🏛 In 1368, the Ming dynasty overthrew the Yuan dynasty in China, but faced resistance in regions like Yunnan.
• 👦 Ma Sanbao, later known as Zheng He, was born around 1371 into a noble Muslim family in Yunnan.
• 🛡 In 1381, the Ming army captured Ma Sanbao and killed his father, leading to Ma Sanbao becoming a eunuch at the age of 13.
• 🏆 Ma Sanbao demonstrated diplomatic and strategic skills, rising to become a military commander by the age of 20.
• 👑 After the death of Emperor Hongwu and a civil war, Zhu Di became the Emperor Yongle, promoting Zheng He to Great Eunuch.
• 🌏 To showcase his empire, Emperor Yongle ordered Zheng He to lead maritime expeditions to establish diplomatic relations.
• 🚢 Zheng He supervised the construction of a massive fleet for his expeditions, including large junks and treasure ships.
• 🌊 The expeditions followed known trade routes, reaching as far as the Indian Ocean and Africa, and involved diplomatic exchanges and gift-giving.
• 🏰 Zheng He's expeditions helped to stabilize trade routes and establish the Ming Empire's influence, including defeating pirates and installing friendly rulers.
• 📚 The Yongle Encyclopedia was commissioned, reflecting the empire's cultural and intellectual achievements.
• 🔥 Financial strains and political instability led to the suspension and eventual end of Zheng He's expeditions.
• 🕊 After Zheng He's death in 1433, the Ming Empire's diplomatic expeditions were prohibited, and the imperial fleet was dismantled.

Q & A

In what year did the Ming dynasty overthrow the Yuan dynasty in China?

The Ming dynasty overthrew the Yuan dynasty in China in 1368.

Who is Ma Sanbao and what is his significance in the script?

Ma Sanbao is a historical figure born around 1371 in Yunnan, who later became known as Zheng He, a famous Chinese explorer and diplomat.

What happened to Ma Sanbao's father when the Ming army entered Yunnan?

Ma Sanbao's father was killed in battle when the Ming army entered Yunnan to subdue the last rebel pockets in 1381.

How did Ma Sanbao become a eunuch?

Ma Sanbao was captured by the Ming army and castrated at the age of 13 to ensure he would never be able to found his own dynasty.

Who was Zhu Di and what was his relationship with Ma Sanbao?

Zhu Di was the 4th son of the emperor and the Prince of Yan in the North. Ma Sanbao was sent to his court, where he quickly rose in rank due to his diplomatic and strategic skills.

What significant event occurred after Emperor Hongwu's death in 1398?

A civil war broke out between Jianwen and Zhu Di, with Zhu Di eventually winning and becoming the new Emperor under the name of Yongle.

What was Zheng He's role in the civil war between Jianwen and Zhu Di?

Zheng He played a decisive role in Zhu Di's victory, which led to his promotion to the position of Great Eunuch.

What was the purpose of Zheng He's maritime expeditions?

Zheng He's maritime expeditions were organized to establish diplomatic relations, expand Chinese influence, and strengthen diplomatic relations by bringing new gifts to rulers.

How many men were in Zheng He's fleet when it left for the first expedition in 1405?

Zheng He's fleet had 27,800 men, mainly military, when it left for the first expedition on July 11, 1405.

What was the outcome of Zheng He's encounter with the local king of Ceylon during his first expedition?

The local king of Ceylon perceived Zheng He's fleet as a threat and showed hostility, leading to a conflict where Zheng He eventually prevailed.

What was the nature of Zheng He's sixth expedition, and what exotic animals did he bring back to China?

Zheng He's sixth expedition was similar to the previous ones, but on this journey, he received giraffes, lions, and elephants, which he then handed over to the Emperor.

How did Zheng He's expeditions impact the Ming Empire's relations with foreign states?

Zheng He's expeditions helped establish and strengthen diplomatic relations with foreign states, as evidenced by the gifts brought to the Yongle emperor by emissaries from different states.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Rise of Zheng He and the First Expeditions

The script begins with the historical backdrop of the transition from the Yuan to the Ming dynasty in China, focusing on the early life of Zheng He, born as Ma Sanbao in Yunnan. It details his capture by the Ming army, his transformation into a eunuch, and his subsequent rise through the ranks due to his diplomatic and strategic skills. The narrative then shifts to the ascension of Zhu Di, who becomes Emperor Yongle, and Zheng He's pivotal role in the civil war that led to Yongle's rule. Rewarded for his contributions, Zheng He is appointed to lead a maritime expedition to establish diplomatic relations and showcase the might of the Ming Empire. The first expedition, which sets sail in 1405 with a massive fleet and over 27,000 men, follows known trade routes, visiting various regions and engaging in diplomacy and conflict as necessary. The script also mentions the construction of the Forbidden City and the Yongle Encyclopedia, reflecting the emperor's desire to solidify his rule and expand his influence.

05:00

🚢 Zheng He's Subsequent Expeditions and Legacy

This section of the script continues the narrative of Zheng He's voyages, emphasizing his mission to expand Chinese influence and strengthen diplomatic ties through gift exchanges and the display of the empire's naval prowess. The expeditions become increasingly ambitious, reaching as far as Hormuz, the Arabian Peninsula, and the African coast, where Zheng He secures exotic animals as tribute. The script also touches on the internal challenges faced by Emperor Yongle, including financial strain from his various projects and military campaigns, leading to a temporary suspension of Zheng He's expeditions. The death of Yongle and the subsequent changes in leadership result in a permanent halt to Zheng He's travels. The final voyage, authorized by Emperor Xuande, ends with Zheng He's death in 1433. The script concludes with the dismantling of the imperial fleet and the destruction of records related to Zheng He's expeditions, marking the end of an era. However, it also notes the posthumous recognition of Zheng He's achievements, with China establishing a maritime day in his honor in 2005.

Keywords

💡Yuan Dynasty

The Yuan Dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China established by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, which lasted from 1271 to 1368. It was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty, marking the end of Mongol rule in China. In the video, the Yuan Dynasty's overthrow is mentioned as a backdrop to the historical setting in which Zheng He was born.

💡Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China, lasting from 1368 to 1644. It was established by the Hongwu Emperor after overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty. The video script mentions the Ming Dynasty as the new power that Zheng He served and helped to consolidate.

💡Zheng He

Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, and fleet admiral, who is known for his seven voyages to the Western Seas between 1405 and 1433. In the script, Zheng He is the central figure whose life and expeditions are detailed, illustrating his rise from a captured noble to a powerful admiral.

💡Eunuch

A eunuch is a man who has been castrated, often serving in a royal or noble court to ensure loyalty. In the script, Ma Sanbao becomes a eunuch at the age of 13, which is a pivotal moment in his life and leads to his service in the imperial court.

💡Yongle Emperor

The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who ruled from 1402 to 1424. He is known for his cultural and military initiatives, including Zheng He's expeditions. The script describes how the Yongle Emperor's reign and ambitions led to Zheng He's maritime voyages.

💡Treasure Ships

Treasure ships were large, well-appointed vessels used by Zheng He's fleet during his voyages. They were among the largest ships of their time and symbolized the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. The script mentions these ships as part of Zheng He's fleet, highlighting the scale of his expeditions.

💡Maritime Expedition

A maritime expedition refers to a voyage across the sea, often for exploration or trade. Zheng He's maritime expeditions were a series of voyages to establish diplomatic relations and trade. The video script details these expeditions as a means of showcasing the Ming Empire's power and influence.

💡Calicut

Calicut was an important trading city on the Malabar Coast of India during the time of Zheng He's voyages. It was a significant stop on the spice route and a hub for international trade. The script mentions Calicut as a destination where Zheng He's fleet aimed to establish diplomatic and trade relations.

💡Hormuz

Hormuz is an island in the Persian Gulf that was a strategic trading post during the time of Zheng He's expeditions. It was a center for the exchange of goods between East and West. The script notes Hormuz as a destination where Zheng He extended the reach of the Ming Empire's influence.

💡Nanjing Porcelain Pagoda

The Nanjing Porcelain Pagoda was a famous pagoda in China, and Zheng He was ordered to oversee its construction. It symbolized the wealth and cultural achievements of the Ming Dynasty. The script mentions the pagoda as part of Zheng He's later responsibilities, indicating his importance to the empire.

💡Jeddah

Jeddah is a city on the coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. It was an important port for trade and pilgrimage. The script mentions Jeddah as the farthest point reached by Zheng He's fleet on his last expedition, underscoring the extensive reach of his voyages.

Highlights

The Yuan dynasty is overthrown by the Ming dynasty in 1368.

Resistance to the new Ming power in Yunnan.

Birth of Ma Sanbao, later known as Zheng He, in Yunnan around 1371.

Ma Sanbao's capture and his father's death during the Ming army's entry into Yunnan in 1381.

Ma Sanbao becomes a eunuch at the age of 13.

Ma Sanbao's rise in rank due to his diplomatic and strategic skills.

Emperor Hongwu's death and the subsequent civil war leading to Zhu Di's victory.

Zhu Di becomes Emperor Yongle after winning the civil war.

Ma Sanbao's promotion to Great Eunuch and renaming to Zheng He after aiding in Zhu Di's victory.

Construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing under Emperor Yongle.

Creation of the Yongle Encyclopedia, the largest encyclopedia in the world for six centuries.

Zheng He's appointment to lead the maritime expedition to establish diplomatic relations.

Construction of a fleet of about 250 ships for Zheng He's expedition.

The first expedition's departure in 1405 with 27,800 men.

Zheng He's diplomatic missions to greet local sovereigns and offer gifts.

Zheng He's military victory over a Chinese pirate in Palembang.

Zheng He's erection of a stele in Ceylon with inscriptions in Chinese, Persian, and Tamil.

Zheng He's intervention in Samudera to protect the interests of the Ming Empire.

The suspension of Zheng He's expeditions due to financial strain and public discontent.

Emperor Yongle's death in 1424 and the subsequent suspension of Zheng He's travels.

Zheng He's final expedition in 1431 to inform kingdoms of the changes in the Ming Empire.

Zheng He's death during his return from the seventh expedition in 1433.

The dismantling of the imperial fleet and the destruction of documents related to Zheng He's expeditions.

Establishment of China's Maritime Day on July 11, 2005, in honor of Zheng He.

Transcripts

In 1368, in China, the Mongolian dynasty of Yuan is overthrown by the Ming dynasty of the Hongwu Emperor.

But some regions resist the new power.

This is notably the case in Yunnan, where Ma Sanbao is born around 1371.

He would later be known as Zheng He.

He is from a rich noble Muslim family, his father is a respected general who made the pilgrimage to Mecca.

In 1381, a Ming army enters Yunnan to subdue the last rebel pockets.

Ma Sanbao is captured, and his father is killed in battle.

At the age of 13, Ma Sanbao becomes a eunuch.

That is to say, he is castrated to ensure that he will never be able to found his own dynasty.

He is then sent to the court of Zhu Di, the 4th son of the emperor, who is also the Prince of Yan in the North.

Ma Sanbao is quickly recognized for his diplomatic and strategic skills,

which allow him to rise in rank, until he becomes a recognized military commander at the age of 20.

In 1398, Emperor Hongwu dies.

His eldest son having already died, his grandson Jianwen takes the throne.

But a civil war quickly breaks out between Jianwen and Zhu Di.

The latter wins, and becomes the new Emperor under the name of Yongle.

Ma Sanbao, having played a decisive role in the victory,

is promoted to the most important position in the court by becoming Great Eunuch, and is renamed Zheng He.

Yongle establishes his power and moves the capital to Beijing,

where he orders the construction of a huge palace, which will become known as the Forbidden City.

Moreover, he gathers more than 2000 scholars of all kinds to start writing the Yongle Encyclopedia,

which would be the largest in the world for 6 centuries.

Finally, to make his empire shine,

he decides to organize a maritime expedition to the Western Ocean in order to establish diplomatic relations.

Zheng He is appointed to organize and lead this expedition.

He supervises the construction of a huge fleet of about 250 ships.

They are mainly large junks, but also about sixty treasure ships,

that is to say, ships of an unequaled size at the time, sometimes having up to 9 masts.

The ships are loaded with food, live animals, and drinking water.

On July 11, 1405, the fleet leaves with 27,800 men, mainly military.

The expedition follows the already known trade routes, going to meet people who are still unknown in China.

Zheng He has to greet the local sovereigns on behalf of the Ming emperor, and to offer them gifts.

The expedition, after having skirted the coasts of Champa, reaches the island of Java,

then goes up towards the island of Sumatra to pass the strait of Malacca.

The ships then launch out into the open sea, reaching the island of Ceylon.

There, the immense Ming fleet is perceived as a threat by the local king,

who shows himself hostile to Zheng He.

The expedition then continues its route to reach Calicut,

an important commercial crossroads in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

In 1407, Zheng He set out again towards the East.

As he crosses the Straits of Malacca, he hears of a powerful Chinese pirate

who has seized the city of Palembang and is attacking merchant ships.

Zheng He wants to ensure stability in the region, and decides to play the role of policeman.

Engaging in battle, he defeats the pirate and takes him prisoner.

He returns to Nanjing on October 2, 1407.

Zheng He tells the Emperor about his trip and his discoveries, mentioning in particular rare animals.

Yongle is satisfied and orders a second expedition, which leaves a few days later.

But it is not certain that Zheng He participated in this one.

Overall, the itinerary is the same as the first expedition, with a passage to the kingdom of Siam, present-day Thailand.

In 1409, a third expedition set out, this time it is certain that Zheng He is its commander.

Arriving in Ceylon, he decides to attack the local king,

who remains hostile to him and to the new Ming Empire allies.

After engaging in battle, Zheng He prevails,

and a new king favorable to the Ming takes the throne.

In addition, Zheng He erects a stele on the island,

on which is written – in Chinese, Persian, and Tamil – an offering, which is made to Buddha, to Allah, and to Vishnu.

A year and a half later, in 1413, a fourth expedition is organized.

This time, Zheng He is charged with venturing further afield

to continue to expand Chinese influence throughout the world,

and to strengthen diplomatic relations by bringing new gifts to the rulers.

After reaching Calicut, he continues on to Hormuz,

discovering a great trading city filled with foreign merchants.

On the way back, Zheng He learns that in Samudera,

the sultan with whom he is in contact is being challenged by a rebel who is trying to take over.

This time, Zheng He intervenes directly in internal affairs in order to protect the interests of the Ming Empire.

On his return to Nanjing,

emissaries from different states brought gifts to the Yongle emperor as a sign of gratitude.

The Emperor gives them paper money (which is a Chinese invention),

copper coins, and silk fabrics.

The following year, in 1417, the emperor charges Zheng He to leave in order to accompany the emissaries back home.

After reaching Hormuz, Zheng He pushes the expedition even further,

and sails along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, and then Africa.

On the way, he receives giraffes, lions and elephants.

Zheng He returns to China and hands over all these exotic animals to the Emperor.

He then leaves for a sixth expedition of a similar nature.

But while he is at sea, the situation becomes complicated for Yongle.

Financially, the numerous construction sites in the new capital Beijing,

the military expeditions against the Mongols, and the diplomatic expeditions of Zheng He are very expensive,

and cause discontent among the populace.

Yongle then decides to temporarily suspend the expeditions of Zheng He.

In the north, the Mongols take advantage of the instability to launch new military raids against China.

The Emperor then takes the head of an army and goes to fight them,

but he dies in campaign, on August 12, 1424.

His son Hongxi comes to power and permanently suspends Zheng He's travels.

But he dies the following year, and is replaced by his own son, Xuande.

The latter orders Zheng He to finalize the construction of the Nanjing Porcelain Pagoda.

Then in 1431, he authorizes Zheng He to make a seventh and last journey

to inform all the kingdoms of the changes in the Ming Empire.

The expedition again follows the same route.

This time, part of the crew even reaches Jeddah to go to Mecca.

On the way back, in 1433, Zheng He dies at the age of 62.

In China, instability remains high, and diplomatic expeditions,

which had become unpopular, are henceforth prohibited,

as well as the construction of new large ships.

The huge imperial fleet is dismantled,

and the archives and other documents mentioning Zheng He's expeditions are destroyed or lost.

On July 11, 2005, 600 years after the departure of the first expedition,

China decides to make July 11 the maritime day of China, in honor of Zheng He.