40 pages • 1 hour read •
When China Ruled the Seas
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Book Brief
256
Biography • Nonfiction
China • 15th century
1994
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
When China Ruled the Seas by Louise Levathes explores a three-decade period in the early 15th century under the Ming dynasty when China, under the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di and Admiral Zheng He, launched seven major voyages with its immense treasure fleet. These expeditions aimed to establish trade networks, show China’s grandeur, and conduct diplomatic missions. The book details the vast fleet's journeys to various regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, the Strait of Hormuz, Aden, and the east coast of Africa. The voyages ceased after Zhu Di's death, leading China to turn inward and lose its maritime dominance.
Informative
Adventurous
Mysterious
Inspirational
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
848 ratings
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Review Roundup
Levathes' When China Ruled the Seas impresses with its vivid account of Zheng He's maritime expeditions, providing rich historical insights. While the narrative captivates, some critics note occasional oversimplifications and a lack of in-depth analysis on certain topics. Overall, the book is a valuable, engaging read for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read When China Ruled the Seas?
Readers who appreciate maritime history, Chinese history, or exploration tales akin to Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Simon Winchester's The Man Who Loved China will enjoy Louise Levathes's When China Ruled the Seas. Ideal for those intrigued by the Ming Dynasty's naval expeditions and the geopolitical impacts of China's seafaring era.
848 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zhu Di (The Yongle Emperor)
Zhu Di (The Yongle Emperor)
He became emperor after leading a coup against his nephew and is noted for expanding trade and diplomatic missions, as well as for ambitious construction projects like the Forbidden City.
Zhu Yuanzhang (The Hongwu Emperor)
Zhu Yuanzhang (The Hongwu Emperor)
As the founder of the Ming dynasty, he overthrew the Yuan dynasty and preferred Confucian advisers while limiting the power of the eunuchs at court. His decision to name his grandson as heir set the stage for future power struggles.
Louise Levathes highlights the incredible voyages of the Ming Dynasty's treasure fleet, led by the famed admiral Zheng He, who commanded a fleet that was said to have included some of the largest wooden ships ever built.
The book sheds light on how these 15th-century Chinese expeditions ventured as far as the east coast of Africa, establishing trade routes and diplomatic relations that expanded China's influence across the Indian Ocean.
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When China Ruled the Seas explores the significant impact of China's naval dominance on global maritime history during the early 1400s, a period often overshadowed by later Western exploration narratives.
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256
Biography • Nonfiction
China • 15th century
1994
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
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