Zheng+He+from+Asian+Studies+2011

=The Amazing Voyages of Zheng He (Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 C.E.)=

Certainly we know that much cultural greatness has emerged from China. We have thus far learned of China's contribution to human history in the field of philosophy. We have even made comparisons of how one philosophy, Taoism, shows striking similarities to some of the ideals proposed by 18th century European //philosophes.// Though we know that [|Marco Polo] brought ideas from China back to Europe. Marco Polo's travels were done on what was called the Silk Road. He managed to make his journey to the court of the then Emperor of the [|Yuan Dynasty.] The Yuan Dynasty ended and was replaced by the [|Ming Dynasty]. It was during this dynasty that one the most fascinating expeditions of its time was undertaken by a [|eunuch] of the Ming court named [|Zheng He.] Zheng He made several journeys to places as far away as Mogadishu on the east coast of Africa. It is certain that his armada was larger than was Christopher Columbus', but some contend that Zheng He may have even beaten Columbus by nearly seventy years in finding North America. At least this is what [|Gavin Menzies] claims, and this is where your investigative powers ought to be used. [|1421] __**Did Zheng He discover America?**__ To answer this question we have to look at the source of the allegation, [|Gavin Menzies (biography)]. Who is he? Were the Chinese Treasure Junks able to make a journey as did Christopher Columbus' ships? Look at the [|Chinese Treasure Junk size comparison.] View these two excerpts from the film //1421//: media type="youtube" key="PeQXlsGD_OE" height="385" width="480"

media type="youtube" key="bdqihr6m8D4" height="385" width="480" What is the conventional interpretation of these voyages? Why are they important? To answer these see this //New York Times Magazine// article, [|"1492: The Prequel"] Why was this significant to Chinese history? Did the Ming court error by not pursuing these expeditions further? To answer these questions see //Timeasia// [|"The Asian Voyage: In the Wake of the Admiral"]