
About this episode
More than 600 years ago, a formidable Chinese navy ruled the seas along China’s eastern and southern coastlines extending its superiority throughout the Indian Ocean, from Southeast Asia to the Persian Gulf and East Africa. Between the period from 1405 to 1433, China’s Ming Dynasty launched seven voyages led by Admiral Zheng He to explore these vast regions, known to the Chinese as the Western Oceans.
In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’re going to unravel the mysteries left by Zheng He, which are considered to be one of the great wonders of the ancient world.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Context publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Context

Bao Zheng: China’s Symbol of Justice
The Context

The Blood, the Tears, and the Fortune: China’s Southern Exodus
The Context

Luoyang Bridge: The Ancient Stone Giant That Defied the Tides
The Context

A Temple Built on a Miracle: The Living History of Kaiyuan Temple
The Context