Zheng He and the Chinese Treasure Fleet: The greatest explorer you've never heard of

Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) was a Chinese explorer and admiral, who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

He is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished sailors in history, as he led several voyages that took him to distant lands and helped to establish China as a maritime power.

Zheng He was born in 1371 in Kunyang, Yunnan province, in southwestern China. He was born into a Muslim family and was given the name Ma He at birth.

He was captured at 11 years old by the Ming army during a conflict in Yunnan and was later castrated.

He was then sent to serve in the court of the Yongle Emperor, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, where he became a trusted advisor and a skilled sailor.

Zheng He's voyages were part of the Yongle Emperor's ambitious plan to expand Chinese influence and trade.

The emperor wanted to establish China as a dominant naval power, and Zheng He was tasked with leading expeditions that would explore new lands, establish diplomatic relations with foreign powers, and bring back valuable goods and treasures.

The first expedition was launched in 1405 with over 27,000 men. The fleet had more than 300 ships, including massive treasure ships that were as long as 130 meters and as wide as 50 meters, according to Ming records.

These ships were larger than any other ship in the world at the time and were able to carry up to 500 people each.

The Treasure Fleet showcased advanced shipbuilding techniques, including watertight bulkheads, stern-post rudders, and sophisticated navigation methods using the magnetic compass and star charts, innovations that remained unmatched in the world for decades.

Zheng He led seven major expeditions between 1405 and 1433, traveling as far west as East Africa and the Persian Gulf, and as far east as Indonesia and the Philippines.

The fleet stopped at major ports along the way, including Calicut in India, Hormuz in Iran, and Malacca in present-day Malaysia.

During these voyages, Zheng He and his crew brought back exotic goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones, as well as new plants and animals that were unknown in China at the time.

Zheng He also established diplomatic relations with foreign powers, exchanging gifts and establishing trade agreements.

On one voyage he brought back a giraffe for the emperor that had been gifted by the Sultan of Malindi (modern-day Kenya).

In addition to its economic and diplomatic goals, the Treasure Fleet was also a symbol of the power and might of the Ming Dynasty.

The massive ships and impressive naval technology were a clear demonstration of China's ability to project its power and influence far beyond its borders.

Zheng He's voyages were not just about trade and diplomacy, however. He was also a cultural ambassador, bringing Chinese art, literature, and philosophy to the lands he visited.

Despite its many accomplishments, the Treasure Fleet was ultimately disbanded by the Ming Dynasty by the mid-15th century.

The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but historians speculate that it was due to a combination of factors, including domestic political turmoil, economic pressures, and a growing sense of isolationism within the Ming court.

Zheng He's legacy was largely forgotten in China after his death in 1433 CE. The Ming Dynasty turned inward and abandoned its naval expeditions, and later rulers did not see the value in Zheng He's voyages.

In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Ming officials, particularly under the influence of Chancellor Liu Daxia, ordered the destruction of certain records related to Zheng He’s voyages, further erasing his legacy from mainstream historical narratives in China.

It was not until the 20th century that Zheng He's legacy was rediscovered and celebrated, both in China and around the world.

Today, Zheng He is remembered as a pioneering explorer and diplomat who helped to shape the course of Chinese history.

His voyages were a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Ming Dynasty.

Although Zheng He is believed to have died at sea, a symbolic tomb was built for him in Nanjing, China, where a modern monument honors his contributions to maritime history and global exploration.