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Jan 23, 1368
The Start of the Ming Dynasty
The Mongol rule is ended by Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398), known as Emperor Hong Wu. He was the first Chinese commoner to establish a dynasty. He defeated the Mongols by organizing a rebellion. The reign of Emperor Hong Wu lasted from January 23, 1368 to June 24, 1398. The Ming Dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644. Picture: Emperor Hong Wu -
Apr 5, 1368
The Capital is Established
Emperor Hong Wu established his capital at the city of Nanjing. Picture: The Ming Dynasty of China. -
Jun 30, 1398
A New Emperor
Emperor Jianwen takes the throne. He suppressed many feudal lords, which made them angry. Zhu Di, his uncle and one of those lords, usurped Emperor Jianwen's throne. His reign lasted from June 30,1398 to July 13, 1402. Picture: Emperor Jianwen. -
Jul 17, 1402
Another Emperor
Emperor Yong Le is the next ruler. He does many things including rebuilding Beijing as the capital of China and conquering areas beyond the Great Wall. He also sponsered a big naval expedition. His reign lasted from July 17, 1402 to August 12, 1424. Picture: Emperor Yong Le -
Apr 4, 1405
Naval Expeditions
Admiral Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim, carried out seven expeditions that went all the way to Africa. They lasted from 1405-1433. Picture: Admiral Zheng He. -
Jan 1, 1409
The Ming Dynasty Tombs
The first tomb was built in 1409, the last in 1644. The tombs contained the bodies of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was originally built only as Changling, the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di and his empresses. This is the most magnificent of the tombs. The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling. -
Jan 1, 1420
The Forbidden City is Completed
The Forbidden City is an ancient Chinese Imperial palace that lasted from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It was the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government. Picture: The Forbidden City -
Sep 7, 1424
Another New Emperor
The fourth emperor of the Ming Dynasty was Emperor Hongxi.
to May 29, 1425. He ordered that the capital be restored to Nanjing. He let his closest advisors be given high ranks. His reign was passed on to his son, His reign lasted from September 7, 1424 to May 29, 1425. Picture: Emperor Hongxi -
Jun 27, 1425
The Fifth Emperor of the Ming Dynasty
The Fifth emperor of the Ming Dynasty was Emperor Xuande. He was the son of Emperor Hongxi. His reign was considered the Ming Dynasty's "Golden Age", as it was a peaceful time. He was an accomplished painter. He also ordered Beijing to be the capital again. His reign lasted from June 27,1425 to January 31, 1435. Picture: Emperor Xuande -
The End of the Ming Dynasty
Rebels take over the capital. The Ming Dynasty has ended. Manchus from the North start a new dynasty. The Dynasty also ended because millions of pesaents were reduced to poverty. Famine and revolts ruled China until the start of the Qing Dynasty. Picture: A Manchu warrior
