Zhu Yuanzhang
For the majority of the 14th century, China had its own wave of revolutions similar to those in Europe due to widespread hunger and famine in the country's northern and central areas. The one led by Zhu Yuanzhang, who later founded one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Chinese history, was by far the most successful of them all.
Yuanzhang, who was born in 1328 in a poor town on China's east coast, joined one of the many rebel groups that were forming there to oppose the Mongol Yuan dynasty at the age of 16. He progressed swiftly through the ranks and attracted a group of devoted supporters before successfully marching on Nanjing's important strategic location in 1356.
That marked a turning point, and in 1368 Zhu at last took control of the Yuan capital of Dadu, which is now Beijing, following years of conflict and success over the Mongols. Zhu Yuanzhang would go on to become both one of history's most effective rebels and the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled over a mostly united China for close to three centuries.
Born: 21 October 1328Tianli 1, 18th day of the 9th month
Died: 24 June 1398 (aged 69) Hongwu 31, 10th day of the 5th leap month
- 1st Emperor of the Ming dynasty
Reign: 23 January 1368[n 1] – 24 June 1398
Enthronement: 23 January 1368
Successor: Jianwen Emperor
- Emperor of China: Reign1368–1398
Predecessor: Ukhaghatu Khan Toghon Temür (Yuan dynasty)
Successor: Jianwen Emperor (Ming dynasty)
