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{{Era|Organizations}}
{{Era|Organizations}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Revamp}}
{{Regime Infobox
{{Regime Infobox
|title1=Great Ming
|title1=Great Ming
|image1=
|image1=
|caption1=
|caption1=
|capital= {{wiki|Nanjing}}<br>[[Beijing]]<ref name="ACCC">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>
|capital= [[Nanjing]]<br>[[Beijing]]
|government= [[Monarchy|Absolute monarchy]]
|government= [[Monarchy|Absolute monarchy]]
|head_of_state= {{wiki|Emperor of China|Emperor}}
|head_of_state= {{wiki|Emperor of China|Emperor}}
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|military= [[Ming military]]
|military= [[Ming military]]
|ruling_house= {{wiki|Zhu (surname)|Zhu}}
|ruling_house= {{wiki|Zhu (surname)|Zhu}}
|affiliation= [[Shanghai Rite of the Templar Order|Chinese Rite of the Templar Order]]
|affiliation= [[Templars]]
*[[Eight Tigers]]
*[[Shanghai Rite of the Templar Order|Chinese Rite]]
|civilization= [[China]]
**[[Eight Tigers]]
|nation= [[China]]
|languages= {{wiki|Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin}}
|languages= {{wiki|Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin}}
|religion= {{wiki|Confucianism}}<br>{{wiki|Taoism}}<br>{{wiki|Buddhism}}<br>{{wiki|Chinese folk religion}}
|religion= {{wiki|Confucianism}}<br>{{wiki|Taoism}}<br>[[Buddhism]]<br>{{wiki|Chinese folk religion}}
|demonym= Ming
|demonym= Ming
|major_cities=
|major_cities=
|population=
|population=
|currency=
|currency=
|founder(s)= [[Hongwu Emperor]]
|founder(s)= [[Zhu Yuanzhang|Hongwu Emperor]]
|date_founded= 1368
|date_founded= 1368
|date_dissolved= 1644
|date_dissolved= 1662
|last_ruler= {{wiki|Chongzhen Emperor}}
|last_ruler={{wiki|Zhu Youlang|Yongli Emperor}}
}}
}}
The '''Ming dynasty''' (1368 – 1644) was the penultimate imperial dynasty of [[China]], known officially at the time as the '''Great Ming'''. Established by [[Hongwu Emperor|Zhu Yuanzhang]] in the wake of the [[wikipedia:Red Turban Rebellion|Red Turban Rebellion]] that overthrew the [[Mongol Empire|Mongol Yuan dynasty]], it saw a return to native Chinese rule, though it would ultimately be the last imperial dynasty to carry this title.
The '''Ming dynasty''', officially the '''Great Ming''', was the penultimate Imperial dynasty of [[China]]. Established by [[Zhu Yuanzhang]] in the wake of the {{Wiki|Red Turban Rebellions}} that overthrew the [[Mongol Empire|Mongol]] [[Yuan dynasty]], it saw a return to native {{wiki|Han Chinese|Han}} rule, though it would ultimately be the last Imperial dynasty to carry this title.


While the dynasty maintained millennia of Chinese prestige as the premier power in the region, it differed from its predecessors in the establishment of a secret police, the [[Jinyiwei]], an increasingly isolationist attitude towards trade, and a decline in scientific development. Because its founder was a former peasant who had to deal with a court run by the traditional nobility, the government began with an atmosphere of distrust that precipitated a series of widespread purges. Through these purges, Zhu Yuanzhang, better known as the Hongwu Emperor, set a precedent for the violent purges that would frequently ignite throughout the entire course of the dynasty. At least some of these purges were initiated under the auspices of the [[Templars]], and the [[Chinese Assassins|Chinese branch]] of their archenemy, the [[Assassins]], was nearly exterminated during this era.
While the dynasty maintained millennia of Chinese prestige as the premier power in the region, it differed from its predecessors in the establishment of a secret police, the [[Jinyiwei]].<ref name="Jinyiwei">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: The Jinyiwei]]</ref> Because its founder was a former peasant who had to deal with a court run by the traditional nobility, the government began with an atmosphere of distrust that precipitated a series of widespread purges.


In spite of these excesses, the dynasty was also responsible for major achievements such as the restoration of the {{wiki|Grand Canal (China)|Grand Canal}}, the expansion of the [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]], the construction of the [[Forbidden City]] in [[Beijing]], and the voyages of exploration conducted by the fleet admiral [[Zheng He]]. Literature, poetry, and music thrived, and some of the most famous Chinese novels were produced in this period.
Through these purges, Zhu Yuanzhang, better known as the Hongwu Emperor, set a precedent for the violent purges that would frequently ignite throughout the entire course of the dynasty. At least some of these purges were initiated under the auspices of the [[Templars]], and the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese branch]] of their archenemies, the [[Assassins]], was nearly exterminated during this era.<ref name="DYL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations – Discover Your Legacy]]''</ref><ref name="ACCC">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>


In the 17th century, famine, epidemic, and economic disaster gave rise to massive rebellions throughout the country. The Manchus, newly unified under an empire they dubbed the [[wikipedia:Qing dynasty|Great Qing]], seized advantage of this turmoil to conquer the entirety of China in 1644, ending the Ming dynasty, and inaugurating what would be the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history.
In spite of these excesses, the dynasty was also responsible for major achievements such as the restoration of the {{wiki|Grand Canal (China)|Grand Canal}}, the expansion of the [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]],<ref name="Great Wall">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Great Wall of China]]</ref> the construction of the [[Forbidden City]] in [[Beijing]],<ref name="Forbidden City">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Forbidden City]]</ref> and the voyages of exploration conducted by the fleet admiral [[Zheng He]].<ref name="ACI">''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' – [[Database: Expedition Along the African Coast]]</ref> Literature, poetry, and music thrived, and some of the most famous Chinese novels were produced in this period.
 
In the 17th century, famine, epidemic, and economic disaster gave rise to massive rebellions throughout the country. The Manchus, newly unified under an empire they dubbed the [[Qing dynasty|Great Qing]], seized advantage of this turmoil to seize the capital of [[Beijing]] in 1644, an event traditionally dated as the end of the Ming dynasty although Ming governments would continue to resist in the rest of the country until 1662.<ref name="Rowe 2009">Rowe, William T. (2009). "Conquest". In ''China's Last Empire: The Great Qing''. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, pp. 11–30.</ref>


==History==
==History==
From 1491 to 1521, China was ruled by the [[Zhengde Emperor]] who used his favorite concubine [[Shao Jun]] to spy on his eunuchs and accompany him during the war with the [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] in the north.<ref name="ACCC" />
In 1402, [[Zhu Di]] usurped the Imperial throne with secret [[Templars|Templar]] support, becoming the third Emperor of the Ming dynasty. During his reign, the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Assassins]] were nearly [[1402 Chinese Assassin purge|wiped out]], but at least two of their members, [[Li Tong]] and another apprentice, managed to survive the purge. In 1424, Li Tong exacted revenge on the Emperor and killed him during his campaigns in the [[Gobi Desert]].<ref name="DYL" />


The heir-less Zhengde Emperor's death in April 1521 brought disarray to the imperial court. The [[Templars|Templar]] eunuchs [[Eight Tigers]] used this opportunity for plotting to control China by controlling the most influential people in court. They placed the Zhengde Emperor's cousin [[Jiajing Emperor|Zhu Houcong]] on the throne and ruled China through his stead.<ref name="ACCC" />
From 1505 to 1521, China was ruled by the [[Zhu Houzhao|Zhengde Emperor]] who used his favorite concubine [[Shao Jun]] to spy on his [[eunuch]]s<ref name="Scroll 1">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 1 (China)|Scroll 1]]</ref> and accompany him during the war with the [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] in the north. The heir-less Emperor's death in April 1521 brought disarray to the Imperial court. The Templar eunuchs known as the [[Eight Tigers]] used this opportunity to plot to take control of China by manipulating the most influential people in court.<ref name="Scroll 4">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 4 (China)|Scroll 4]]</ref> They placed the Zhengde Emperor's cousin [[Zhu Houcong]] on the throne as the Jiajing Emperor and ruled China in his stead.<ref name="Jiajing">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: The Jiajing Emperor]]</ref>


In 1524, the Eight Tigers triggered the [[Great Rites Controversy]] to hunt down officials who tried to oppose the Jiajing Emperor, specifically purging the [[Chinese Assassins]]. They managed to chase and kill the [[Mentor]] [[Zhu Jiuyuan]], who was in [[Italy]] seeking help with the now [[Assassins|Assassin]] Shao Jun and eradicate most of the Brotherhood.<ref name="ACCC" />
In 1524, the Eight Tigers triggered the [[Great Rites Controversy]] to hunt down officials who tried to oppose the Jiajing Emperor, specifically purging the Chinese Assassins.<ref name="Scroll 10">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 10 (China)|Scroll 10]]</ref> They managed to chase and kill the [[Mentor]] [[Zhu Jiuyuan]], who was in [[Italy]] seeking help with the now Assassin Shao Jun, and eradicate most of the Brotherhood.<ref name="Scroll 14">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 14 (China)|Scroll 14]]</ref> After receiving training from the legendary Master Assassin [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]],<ref name="Embers">''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''</ref> Shao Jun returned to China in 1526 to exact vengeance on the Tigers with her old Mentor [[Wang Yangming]].<ref name="The Escape">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[The Escape (China)|The Escape]]</ref> Over the course of six years, the two Assassins systematically hunted down the Tigers, though in 1529 Yangming was killed by the Tiger leader [[Zhang Yong]], who also stole a [[Precursor box]] that had been given to Shao Jun by Ezio.<ref name="Hunted">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Hunted]]</ref>


After receiving training with the legendary Master Assassin [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]],<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''</ref> Shao Jun returned to China in 1526 to exact vengeance with her old Mentor [[Wang Yangming]]. By using a [[precursor boxes|Precursor box]], they assassinated the majority of the Eight Tigers until Zhang Yong retrieved the box upon killing Wang Yangming.<ref name="ACCC" />
In 1532, Shao Jun traveled to the [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]] in pursuit of Zhang Yong, who was planning to let [[Altan Khan]] and his Mongols invade China to maintain his grip on power.<ref name="The Betrayal">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[The Betrayal (China)|The Betrayal]]</ref> The Assassin, with the help of her apprentice [[Kotetsu]], killed the Mongol scouts and closed the Wall's gates, preventing the invaders from breaching her home.<ref name="The Great Wall">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Culmination]]</ref> Amidst the chaos of bombardment from the Mongols, Shao Jun managed to kill Zhang Yong, eliminating the Templar threat in China.<ref name="Vengeance">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Vengeance]]</ref>


In 1532, Jun traveled to the Great Wall in pursuit of [[Zhang Yong]], the last Tiger, who was planning to let the [[Altan Khan]] and his Mongols invade China. The Assassin killed the Mongol scouts and closed the Wall's gates, preventing the invaders from breaching her home. Among the chaos of bombardment from the Mongols, Shao Jun managed to kill Zhang Yong, eliminating the Templar threat in China.<ref name="ACCC" />
From 1542 to 1550, China was continually harassed by the Mongols. The Jiajing Emperor eventually ended the conflict by offering the Mongols special trading rights and expanded [[Beijing]] by building the Outer City.<ref name="ACCC" /> He developed an interest in alchemy in his later years, a fascination which led to his death in 1567 after the Assassins played on his desire to drink the [[elixir of life]] and arranged for him to ingest a lethal dose of [[Quicksilver|mercury]].<ref name="Vengeance" />


From 1542 to 1550, China was continually harassed by the Mongols. The Jiajing Emperor eventually ended the conflict by offering the Mongols special trading rights and expanded Beijing by building the Outer City. He developed an interest in alchemy in his later years, a fascination which led to his death after the Assassins played on his desire to drink the [[elixir of life]] and arranged for him to ingest a lethal dose of mercury.<ref name="ACCC" />
The dynasty eventually collapsed after the Manchus invaded and conquered the Ming in the 17th century, establishing the [[Qing dynasty]].<ref name="Rowe 2009" />


The dynasty collapsed after the Manchu invaded and conquered the Ming, establishing the Qing dynasty.
===Legacy===
The Chinese Assassins in the early 18th century called themselves the Great Ming Brotherhood in honor of the Ming dynasty and sought to overthrow the Manchus and restore native Han rule in China.<ref name="ACFT">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 40|Episode 40]]</ref>


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
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*''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mdat}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mdat}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm]]'' {{Nc}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Turbulence in the Ming Dynasty]]'' {{Nc}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Imperial Jade Seal]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Echoes of History]] – Chinese Chronicles'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' {{Mdat}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Templars nav}}
{{ACDYL}}
{{ACDYL}}
{{ACC}}
{{ACC}}
{{ACMs}}
{{ACBoSJ}}
{{ACCh}}
{{ACMS}}
[[zh:明朝]]
[[zh:明朝]]
[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Dynasties of China]]
[[Category:Former empires]]
[[Category:Chinese governments]]

Latest revision as of 21:15, 23 April 2025

The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was the penultimate Imperial dynasty of China. Established by Zhu Yuanzhang in the wake of the Red Turban Rebellions that overthrew the Mongol Yuan dynasty, it saw a return to native Han rule, though it would ultimately be the last Imperial dynasty to carry this title.

While the dynasty maintained millennia of Chinese prestige as the premier power in the region, it differed from its predecessors in the establishment of a secret police, the Jinyiwei.[1] Because its founder was a former peasant who had to deal with a court run by the traditional nobility, the government began with an atmosphere of distrust that precipitated a series of widespread purges.

Through these purges, Zhu Yuanzhang, better known as the Hongwu Emperor, set a precedent for the violent purges that would frequently ignite throughout the entire course of the dynasty. At least some of these purges were initiated under the auspices of the Templars, and the Chinese branch of their archenemies, the Assassins, was nearly exterminated during this era.[2][3]

In spite of these excesses, the dynasty was also responsible for major achievements such as the restoration of the Grand Canal, the expansion of the Great Wall,[4] the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing,[5] and the voyages of exploration conducted by the fleet admiral Zheng He.[6] Literature, poetry, and music thrived, and some of the most famous Chinese novels were produced in this period.

In the 17th century, famine, epidemic, and economic disaster gave rise to massive rebellions throughout the country. The Manchus, newly unified under an empire they dubbed the Great Qing, seized advantage of this turmoil to seize the capital of Beijing in 1644, an event traditionally dated as the end of the Ming dynasty although Ming governments would continue to resist in the rest of the country until 1662.[7]

History[edit | edit source]

In 1402, Zhu Di usurped the Imperial throne with secret Templar support, becoming the third Emperor of the Ming dynasty. During his reign, the Chinese Assassins were nearly wiped out, but at least two of their members, Li Tong and another apprentice, managed to survive the purge. In 1424, Li Tong exacted revenge on the Emperor and killed him during his campaigns in the Gobi Desert.[2]

From 1505 to 1521, China was ruled by the Zhengde Emperor who used his favorite concubine Shao Jun to spy on his eunuchs[8] and accompany him during the war with the Mongols in the north. The heir-less Emperor's death in April 1521 brought disarray to the Imperial court. The Templar eunuchs known as the Eight Tigers used this opportunity to plot to take control of China by manipulating the most influential people in court.[9] They placed the Zhengde Emperor's cousin Zhu Houcong on the throne as the Jiajing Emperor and ruled China in his stead.[10]

In 1524, the Eight Tigers triggered the Great Rites Controversy to hunt down officials who tried to oppose the Jiajing Emperor, specifically purging the Chinese Assassins.[11] They managed to chase and kill the Mentor Zhu Jiuyuan, who was in Italy seeking help with the now Assassin Shao Jun, and eradicate most of the Brotherhood.[12] After receiving training from the legendary Master Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze,[13] Shao Jun returned to China in 1526 to exact vengeance on the Tigers with her old Mentor Wang Yangming.[14] Over the course of six years, the two Assassins systematically hunted down the Tigers, though in 1529 Yangming was killed by the Tiger leader Zhang Yong, who also stole a Precursor box that had been given to Shao Jun by Ezio.[15]

In 1532, Shao Jun traveled to the Great Wall in pursuit of Zhang Yong, who was planning to let Altan Khan and his Mongols invade China to maintain his grip on power.[16] The Assassin, with the help of her apprentice Kotetsu, killed the Mongol scouts and closed the Wall's gates, preventing the invaders from breaching her home.[17] Amidst the chaos of bombardment from the Mongols, Shao Jun managed to kill Zhang Yong, eliminating the Templar threat in China.[18]

From 1542 to 1550, China was continually harassed by the Mongols. The Jiajing Emperor eventually ended the conflict by offering the Mongols special trading rights and expanded Beijing by building the Outer City.[3] He developed an interest in alchemy in his later years, a fascination which led to his death in 1567 after the Assassins played on his desire to drink the elixir of life and arranged for him to ingest a lethal dose of mercury.[18]

The dynasty eventually collapsed after the Manchus invaded and conquered the Ming in the 17th century, establishing the Qing dynasty.[7]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Chinese Assassins in the early 18th century called themselves the Great Ming Brotherhood in honor of the Ming dynasty and sought to overthrow the Manchus and restore native Han rule in China.[19]

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Database: The Jinyiwei
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed: Revelations – Discover Your Legacy
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China
  4. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Database: Great Wall of China
  5. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Database: Forbidden City
  6. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Initiates – Database: Expedition Along the African Coast
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Rowe, William T. (2009). "Conquest". In China's Last Empire: The Great Qing. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, pp. 11–30.
  8. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Scroll 1
  9. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Scroll 4
  10. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Database: The Jiajing Emperor
  11. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Scroll 10
  12. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Scroll 14
  13. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Embers
  14. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – The Escape
  15. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Hunted
  16. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – The Betrayal
  17. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun – Culmination
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China – Vengeance
  19. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 40

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