Archival Overview
Ming Dynasty grand admiral and diplomat who commanded seven epic treasure fleet voyages across the Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to Arabia and East Africa, decades before Columbus.
Biographical Record
Born Ma Sanbao to a Hui Muslim family in Yunnan, Zheng He (1371–1433) was captured by Ming forces as a boy, castrated, and assigned to Prince Zhu Di (the future Yongle Emperor). Proving his military genius in the civil war, he was appointed Grand Director.
Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He commanded seven titanic naval expeditions. His fleet comprised up to 317 multi-decked 'treasure ships' (Baochuan) measuring over 100 meters long with 28,000 crew members. Navigating by star compass, he established tributary trade across Malacca, Ceylon, Calicut, Hormuz, Aden, and Mogadishu, bringing giraffes and ambassadors to Beijing.
Key Life Milestones
Launch of the First Treasure Fleet Voyage
Set sail from Suzhou with 317 ships and 27,800 men, initiating the greatest maritime enterprise of the medieval world.
Seventh Expedition and Arrival at East Africa
Commanded his final fleet reaching Hormuz, Mecca, and the Swahili coast of Kenya.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialNanjing (Jiangsu), China