60. The Explorer of Maritime Influence
Zheng He is one of the most well-known Chinese explorers of the late 1300s and early 1400s. He was a part of China’s early Ming Dynasty and received his name, Zheng, from the Yongle Emperor. He is known for his admiral and diplomat duties and for extending China’s maritime influence. As one of his largest voyagers, Zheng He had a crew of over 27,000 men and 62 ships. This fleet made stops in Thailand, Melaka, and Southern Vietnam. He traveled a few years later and went to the north tip of Sumatra.