Zheng He
Zheng He (鄭和; 1371 – c. 1434) was a Chinese court eunuch, mariner, explorer, diplomat, and admiral.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Zheng He was captured at an early age by the Ming dynasty and became a court eunuch. After he contributed to the defeat of the Yuan dynasty, Zheng was offered a position in the government and became an admiral and a diplomat under the Yongle Emperor. He was appointed to lead a large fleet to the Indian Ocean and embarked on expeditions that led him to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.[1]
Beginning his fifth voyage in 1417, Zheng headed for Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Once he and his crew reached Mogadishu, the city's inhabitants initially attacked them but quickly surrendered. Zheng would make several other voyages and bring back many goods to China. His many expeditions notably took place over 50 years before those of the more famous European navigators.[1]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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A Chinese woodblock print thought to represent Zheng He's ships
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed: Initiates (mentioned in Database entry only)