Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty was founded in 1368 by Zhu Yuanzhang, a peasant rebel who later took the imperial name Hongwu. He rose to power by leading forces that drove out the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. Once in power, he established his capital in Nanjing before it was later moved to Beijing.

The massive naval expeditions of the early Ming Dynasty were commanded by Admiral Zheng He. Between 1405 and 1433, he led seven major treasure voyages across the Indian Ocean. These fleets reached as far as the eastern coast of Africa, establishing diplomatic ties and showcasing Chinese power.

Construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing began in 1406 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor. The massive palace complex took roughly 14 years to complete, officially becoming the seat of Ming power in 1420. It served as the imperial palace for the Ming and later the Qing dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty fell in 1644 due to a combination of internal rebellions and external invasions. The rebel leader Li Zicheng captured Beijing, prompting the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, to take his own life. Shortly after, the Manchu forces of the Qing Dynasty crossed the Great Wall and seized control of the capital.