The Ming dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644. It was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, a peasant turned rebel leader who drove out the Mongol Yuan dynasty and took the reign name Hongwu. The Ming rebuilt Chinese institutions, restored the examination system and moved the capital to Beijing in the early 15th century, where the Forbidden City was built. The dynasty sent the treasure fleets of Admiral Zheng He across the Indian Ocean, and extended the Great Wall in the form most people know today. Trade with Europe brought silver into China. Corruption, fiscal strain, famine and peasant revolts weakened the dynasty, and in 1644 rebels under Li Zicheng captured Beijing, after which the Manchus established the Qing dynasty.
Before and after
- 12 May 1364Founding of Jagiellonian University
- 12 March 1365Founding of University of Vienna
- from 1366 to 1526Ottoman–Hungarian Wars
- 1368Death of Ibn Battuta
- from 1368 to 1644Ming dynasty
- 1369Rise of House of Trastámara
- from 1369 to 1389Caroline War
- from 1370 to 1789Construction of Bastille
- 1370Rise of Timurid dynasty
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 622 CEConstruction of Prophet's Mosque
- from 800 CE to 1258Islamic Golden Age
- 1066Construction of Tower of London
- 1342Construction of Palace of Westminster
- 1386Construction of Heidelberg University
- from 1438 to 1533Inca Empire
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 14th century.