Dynasties | Ming Dynasty 1368-1644

The period of Ming rule is seen of peaceful continuation of previous Chinese dynasties. Apart from a period of global exploration under Emperor Yongle contact with 'barbarians' was restricted and life was rather introspective.

The founder of the Dynasty Zhu Yanzhang came from peasant stock (the son of an itinerant labourer) studied as a buddhist before becoming a rebel. His military campaigns in Southern China soon brought sufficient momentum to challenge the rotting remnants of the Mongol Dynasty in the north and by 1387 had once more returned all of China to Han Chinese rule.

In the West imports of vast amounts of Ming porcelain specifically made for export led to the permanent association of china with the country of principal origin. Scholars see this as the time when Europe rapidly caught up with and overtook China. It was a period without the urge to improve and innovate. Maybe this was due to the Chinese historical view that the glories of the past can not be achieved let alone surpassed.