By 1420 the Chinese Navy was the largest and most powerful in the world. At the heart of China's vast naval force were the massive treasure ships that bought back riches from overseas expeditions and travels. These nine-masted warships were over 400 feet in length and had a crew of over a thousand. Armed with cannon's, rockets and guns they formed part of the Chinese Naval Fleet under the command of one of China's greatest maritime explorers, Zheng He.
During the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He's navy undertook seven voyages of expedition (1405-1433) carrying Chinese diplomacy and trade across the oceans of South East Asia as far as Africa, India, Ceylon and the Middle East.
With the death of Emperor Ming Chengzu in 1433, the new emperor ordered a stop to these overseas voyages. These huge warships, which for so long had forged links with nations around the world, were no longer required and were scuttled as China withdrew from world commerce.
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Andorra, 1994 Official ECU 10 Diners "Membership of the United Nations" Silver Proof in Capsule, FDC£36.00
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Barbados, 5 Dollars 1994 'Engagement Portrait (1923)' Silver Proof in Capsule & MDM Certificate, FDC£32.00
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Bulgaria, 1995 Official 1000 AEBA ECU Commemorative "Rojen Observatory" Silver Proof in capsule, FDC£36.00
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