Zheng He was born in 1371 in the Yunnan Province, China, and he died in 1433 (aged 62 years). A great Chinese explorer and fleet commander Zheng He went on seven voyages to establish Chinese trade in new areas. Travelling all the way to Calicut, India, he made trading and diplomatic ties with about 25 countries going as far as Africa and Australia. He also battled pirates on his voyages. His last voyage, to Africa’s Swahili coast, with a side trip to Mecca, marked the end of China’s golden age of exploration and of Zheng He’s life. He presumably died en route home and was buried at sea.
Do you know: Zheng He was captured and taken as a slave to Prince Zhu Di who gave him the name Zheng He. Zheng He was originally called Ma He.
