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Zheng He's Treasure Ships

Type Object Region China Time 1405–1433

Large ocean-going treasure ships built during the Yongle reign for Zheng He's seven voyages, reportedly displacing thousands of shi, among the world'…

Timeline

  1. 1411Longjiang, Nanjing · NanjingZheng He's third western ocean voyage returned to Nanjing in the summer of Yongle 9 (1411), where the treasure ship fleet berthed at Longjiang Harbor for rest and refit. Based on the voyage's results, the court refitted docks and supplies, making military and diplomatic preparations for the larger fourth voyage to follow.
  2. 1413–1415Coasts of the Indian Ocean · Indian OceanFrom Yongle 11 onward, Zheng He led the treasure ship fleet on a fourth voyage, reaching Hormuz and other places. The large treasure ships served as flagships displaying Ming military might, escorting tributary envoys and extending the maritime tributary network; treasure ship activity peaked during this period.
  3. 1417–1419East coast of Africa · East AfricaOn the fifth voyage, the treasure ship fleet reached the east coast of Africa for the first time, further extending Ming maritime influence. The treasure ships' enormous size and armament produced a strong deterrent effect at ports along the way, a concentrated embodiment of the early Ming's combined ocean-going military-diplomatic power.

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