Yuan Dynasty (Mongol Empire)
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Hongwu Emperor
Zhongli (Fengyang, Anhui), Yuan Dynasty (Mongol Empire)
Archival Overview
Founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1398) Zhu Yuanzhang, who rose from an orphaned beggar and Buddhist novice monk to lead the Red Turban rebellion that expelled the Mongol Yuan dynasty from China, restoring native Han rule.
Biographical Record
Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398) lost his parents and siblings to famine and plague at age sixteen, surviving as a wandering mendicant Buddhist monk before joining the Red Turban peasant rebellion against Mongol rule in 1352. Exhibiting military and strategic discipline, Zhu captured Nanjing in 1356, treating commoners with strict protection.
In 1368, Zhu captured the Mongol capital of Dadu (Beijing) and proclaimed the Ming dynasty. Remembering his peasant roots, Hongwu established the Yellow Registers for land redistribution, planted one billion trees across China, and authored the 'Da Ming Lu' (Great Ming Code). He ruled with an iron fist, eradicating corruption and consolidating autocratic imperial control.
Key Life Milestones
Expulsion of the Mongols and Founding of the Ming Dynasty
Captured Dadu (Beijing) and proclaimed the restoration of native Chinese rule under the Ming.
Compilation of the Yellow Registers and Fish-Scale Maps
Conducted the world's most comprehensive nationwide land census and tax registry for peasant protection.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialNanjing (Jiangsu), China