The Ming dynasty started in 1368 and finished in 1644. The Ming suceeded to the Yuan, mongol conquerors who reigned over China during more than a century. At the beginning of Ming era, a farmers’ rebellion hunted the “foreigner” Yuan to Mongolia. A farmer became the leader of this rebellion, and at the same time the first Ming Emperor. His name was Hongwe.

Under Ming dynasty, China was involved in a new Renaissance period. The arts were getting more and more developed, especially the porcelain industry which was subject to a significant growth. During Hongwe’s sovereignty, the agriculture was getting powerful. Due to his farmer’s roots, Hongwe did his best to prevent his country from starvation, the granaries were always full. Moreover, the government was improved as Hongwe ensured sustainability within political affairs so that nobody could overturn the Emperor.

Another distinguished figure within the Ming dynasty was the Emperor Yongle. (1402 - 1424) who extended Ming’s influence far beyond Chinese frontiers. He conquered Annam and Turkestan. He opened once again the Silk Road and the business was at the peak. Yongle designed many wonders such as the Forbidden City which became the emblem of Pekin. This was the golden age of Chinese history.

Apart from this, Ming’s reign was also marked by well-known explorations, like those ones undertaken by Zheng He. This famous navigator explored the Southern Asia archipelago and crossed the Indian Ocean before reaching Africa. Some historians pretend that they had circled the Cape of Good Hope to attain America.

Throughout the XVII° century, the Mongol and Japanese invasions in Korea weakened the Ming. And the dynasty was eventually defeated by the Qin in 1644.