The Ming Dynasty

Throughout modern history, there has been much debate about the reasons for the sudden and abrupt cessation of tributary voyages which had once been led by Zheng He under the rule of the Ming Dynasty. These voyages were an integral part of the dynasty and indeed symbolised the sheer scale of the success and prosperity of that empire. But all was not well, and it was the cessation of these voyages likewise that represented the …

…major disruptions of the economy, arts, society or politics during its reign, promoted a belief among the Chinese that they had achieved the most superior civilisation on earth and that nothing foreign was needed or welcome, beginning an entirely new chapter in China's history. It is clear that Admiral Zheng and his contemporaries' voyages were stopped because of changes of priority in the government. However, the reasons and mitigating factors remains arguable to this day.