Reading Material

Economy of the Ming Dynasty

Read this explanation of the economy during the Ming dynasty, including coinage, manufactures, agriculture, and trade and investment.

 Population of the Ming Dynasty

Read this short explanation of the population estimates for the Ming dynasty.

https://ancientmingdynasty.wordpress.com/population-of-the-ming

 Ancient Chinese Explorers

Read this description of the major sea voyages and journeys of Chinese explorers, which peaked in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with the “Eunuch Admiral,” Zheng He.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/ancient-chinese-explorers.html

 The Ming Voyages

Read this discussion of the Ming Voyages, including the Admiral Zheng He and the Seven Voyages, and the role of the Grand Canal.

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1000ce_mingvoyages.htm

 Ming Dynasty

Read the following which covers the restoration of the Ming dynasty and events between 1368 and 1644.

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-history/the-ming-dynasty.htm