Who was Zheng He?

​Zheng He: Admiral of the Great Ming Voyages of Discovery

In the early 15th century, decades before Columbus set sail, Admiral Zheng He commanded an extraordinary series of expeditions that remain among the most ambitious maritime ventures in history. Born in 1371 in China's Yunnan province, Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim admiral and diplomat serving the Ming Emperor Yongle, undertook seven voyages from 1405 to 1433 that profoundly reshaped global maritime history.

Zheng He's treasure fleets were immense in both size and sophistication. His largest expedition involved a fleet of around 300 ships, carrying roughly 28,000 sailors, artisans, diplomats, and scholars. These ships, known as treasure ships, were engineering marvels far surpassing contemporary European vessels, boasting advanced navigational techniques and superior shipbuilding capabilities.
The voyages extended far beyond familiar waters, reaching Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the eastern shores of Africa. Zheng He's expeditions facilitated diplomatic relations, established trade networks, and introduced Chinese technology and culture across continents. These journeys were marked by exchanges of gifts, ideas, and innovations, significantly impacting the regions visited.

At the heart of the 1421 Foundation's mission is the conviction that Zheng He and his admirals sailed further than previously acknowledged by mainstream history, potentially reaching the Americas and Australasia decades before European explorers. Inspired by Gavin Menzies' seminal book, 1421: The Year China Discovered the World, the Foundation seeks to explore, document, and validate evidence suggesting that Zheng He's fleets not only navigated known trade routes but ventured significantly further afield.

Through meticulous research, archaeological projects, and collaborations with global scholars, the 1421 Foundation has uncovered compelling evidence supporting this hypothesis. Artefacts, ancient maps, and navigational charts have surfaced in various parts of the world, indicating that Chinese mariners may have indeed reached North and South America. Ongoing archaeological investigations continue to bring clarity to these ground-breaking theories.

Today, Zheng He remains central to the narrative and spirit of the 1421 Foundation. His pioneering voyages exemplify humanity's enduring curiosity, courage, and capacity for innovation. By studying Zheng He's expeditions, the 1421 Foundation emphasises the interconnectedness of ancient civilisations and challenges the traditionally Eurocentric perspectives that have dominated historical narratives for centuries.

The 1421 Foundation’s research not only honours Zheng He’s historical legacy but also reshapes our understanding of global exploration. By employing cutting-edge archaeological techniques, such as archaeometry, geo-spatial mapping, and artificial intelligence, the Foundation meticulously analyses historical data, building a comprehensive picture of pre-Columbian maritime exploration.

Zheng He’s voyages inspire a new generation of explorers, scholars, and global citizens committed to understanding humanity's shared history. The 1421 Foundation continues to draw upon Zheng He’s remarkable achievements to promote cultural exchange, academic research, and innovative methodologies, keeping his adventurous spirit alive in the contemporary world.
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We invite you to join us in uncovering more about Zheng He's monumental legacy. Explore our ongoing research, engage with interactive resources, and participate in the exciting quest to rewrite the chapters of world history—one voyage at a time.