Zhang He (Zheng He's original name)

Zhang He, originally named Zheng He, was a renowned Chinese naval admiral and explorer during the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. He led large treasure voyages across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as Africa, to establish trade relations and demonstrate Chinese power. Known for his strategic skill and leadership, Zhang He commanded massive fleets with hundreds of ships. His voyages helped expand China's influence, fostered maritime trade, and showcased Chinese shipbuilding and navigation technologies of the time. His achievements contributed significantly to historical understanding of early global exploration and Chinese maritime history.