One Minute History - Zheng He

A brief, one minute history of some of histories most interesting people you may not have heard of before.
Zheng He, born in 1371, was a distinguished Chinese mariner, explorer, and diplomat during the early Ming Dynasty. He is renowned for leading seven extensive naval expeditions, commonly known as the Treasure Voyages, that spanned the Indian Ocean and beyond. Zheng He commanded massive fleets of ships, comprising hundreds of vessels and tens of thousands of crew members. These expeditions aimed to establish and strengthen diplomatic ties, showcase China's power and wealth, and expand trade routes. Zheng He's voyages reached as far as Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and East Africa. His maritime accomplishments significantly impacted international trade and cultural exchange during the 15th century. Despite the success of his voyages, Zheng He's expeditions were gradually discontinued after his death in 1433, and China adopted a more inward-looking policy, limiting further exploration.