Zheng He

Zheng He was born in 1371 in the city now called Jinning, in Yunnan Province, and he was called "Ma He" at that time. When he was a child, the Ming dynasty invaded the city, and the Ming's armies killed lots of people including his parents. Then, he captured by them. Just 10 years, he sent to the city now days Beijing to serve in the household of Zhu-di who was prince of the country. After he grew, he became one of the prince's closest confidants. By 1402, Zhu Di had captured the Ming capital at Nanjing and defeated his nephew's forces. He had himself crowned as the Yongle Emperor. Due to Ma He's key role in the coup, the new emperor awarded him a mansion in Nanjing as well as the honorific name "Zheng He." Zheng He's most important role in his master's service, and the reason he is remembered today, was as the commander in chief of the new treasure fleet, and as the emperor's principal envoy to the peoples of the Indian Ocean basin. With a mandate to collect tribute and establish ties with rulers all around the Indian Ocean shores, Zheng He and his armada set forth for Calicut, on India's western coast.In 1424, the Yongle Emperor passed away. Zheng He had made six voyages in his name and brought back countless emissaries from foreign lands to bow before him, but the cost of these excursions weighed heavily on the Chinese treasury