Zheng He

Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, and diplomat who commanded expeditionary treasure voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Western Asia, and East Africa from 1405 to 1433. His fleet was the largest in the world at the time, consisting of hundreds of massive ships. These voyages were intended to project Chinese power and establish trade networks across the Indian Ocean. Zheng He's expeditions demonstrated the advanced state of Chinese naval technology and maritime expertise, long before the European Age of Discovery began.