Zheng He

Zheng He was a court eunuch, mariner, explorer, diplomat, and fleet admiral during China's early Ming Dynasty. He helped to extend Chinese maritime and commercial influence throughout the regions bordering the Indian Ocean.

In the first half of the 15th century a large fleet of Ming's China has already been travelling and exploring the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, as far as Africa. In general terms, purpose of the fleet was to bring order “to the four quarters ... as far as ships and carts would go and power of men would reach”. In reality, voyages represented a mixture of exploration, diplomacy and business, and their aim was to assure both peace and trade through establishment of Chinese imperial presence as the main Asian power.

The originator of these voyages that were incomparable in history was a third ruler of the Ming dynasty, the Emperor Zhu Di also known as “Yongle” (meaning “perpetual happiness”), a man of extraordinary energy and colossal visions. His reign was therefore remembered by the great achievements as construction of the magnificent Forbidden City and Grand Canal, besides hundreds of temples and palaces along the Empire. But, his most impressive legacy was foundation of the largest fleet that the world has seen up till 20th century.

In 1403 an order for construction of the fleet was released. The Emperor's close confidant, Zheng He was put in charge for construction, as well for the commanding of the future fleet. It was a peak of his career, a meritious reward for his loyal service and contribution to the Ming dynasty. Only 35-years old, Zheng He achieved the highest rank ever for a eunuch in Chinese history.

But, the unusual life story of this talented man starts 20 years ago and it is placed in the city now called Jinning, in Yunnan province. Born in 1371 in a family of Muslim origin, with father and grandfather known as “Hajji”, the honorific title that marked pilgrims in Mecca, Zheng He was named “Ma He”, a Chinese version of Muhammad. In 1381, during the invasion of rebel forces of the future Ming dynasty, his family was executed while Ma He was captured, castrated and turned into eunuch slave. Then he was sent to Beijing and assigned to the household of 21-years old Prince Zhu Di, the future Emperor Yongle. The years that followed, Ma He used to improve himself in learning, as well at fighting and military tactics as the best way to come to the fore. Growing up in a skilled and educated man, with impressive physiognomy – seven feet tall and with “a voice as loud as a huge bell”, Ma He soon gained the trust of the young Prince. His ingenious and devotion were additionally forged on the battlefield, fighting side by side with an Emperor and supporting him in conquering the throne. Due to his contributions, the Emperor assigned him an honorific name “Zheng He”, and appointed him the General of the largest fleet in the history – the “Treasure Fleet” after the ascent to the throne.

An object of seven voyages which were launched in the period between 1405 and 1433 was “Xi Yang”, the term which implied the Western Ocean. During these voyages, Zheng He as a naval commander has faced a number of challenges in order to obtain a balance of power in Asia. He imposed and collected a tribute, negotiated trade pacts, installed the rulers and fought pirates.

During the last voyage, on its return Zheng He, the main protagonist of these epic voyages died. According to the legends, he was buried at sea while the crew returned only a braid of his hair and his shoes to Nanjing for burial.