# Ming Dynasty
Confidence: high
Last verified: 2026-05-22
Generation: ai_assisted


## TL;DR

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was China's last native Han dynasty. Founded by Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor) after overthrowing Mongol Yuan rule. Achievements: Great Wall reconstruction, Forbidden City (Beijing, 1420), Zheng He's treasure voyages (1405-1433, reaching East Africa), blue-and-white porcelain, and population growth to 160 million.

## Core Explanation

Zheng He: 7 voyages with fleets of 300+ ships, 28,000 crew — largest maritime expeditions in history until WWII. Then China turned inward (1433, voyages halted). Economy: silver-based currency, global trade hub. Fall: famine, peasant rebellions (Li Zicheng), Manchu invasion. Qing Dynasty (Manchu) replaced Ming (1644-1912).

## Further Reading

- [1587, A Year of No Significance: The Ming Dynasty in Decline (Ray Huang)](https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300028843/1587-a-year-of-no-significance/)