Zheng He - 1371 to 1433

Zheng He was sent into the army at age 10 when
the Yunnan province fell to Chinese rule.
Skilled in war, he was appointed to be the
admiral of trips to the Western Oceans.
As part of China's quest to extend its power by
sea, Zheng He made 7 voyages with 300+ ships.
Zheng He visited Asia, Africa, and the Middle
East, bringing back precious and exotic cargo.