Origins: overthrowing the Mongols
The examination system and Confucian governance
Zheng He's voyages (1405-1433)
The end of exploration
Ming economy and society
The Great Wall and northern defense
Decline and fall
Primary sources
Ma Huan, Yingya Shenglan ("Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores," c. 1433)
Matteo Ricci, journals from China (c. 1600)
Qiu Jun, memorial to the emperor on trade (c. 1487)
Key figures
Key events summary
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