Zhu Di (Yongle Emperor)

Zhu Di, known as the Yongle Emperor, ruled China from 1402 to 1424 during the Ming Dynasty. He is famous for moving the capital to Beijing and building the magnificent Forbidden City. Yongle expanded Chinese influence through maritime explorations led by Admiral Zheng He, who traveled to Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. His reign also saw significant advancements in culture, technology, and the compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia, one of the world's largest literary works. Despite his achievements, Zhu Di's rise to power involved a violent civil war against his nephew, illustrating the complexities of his rule.