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ZHENG HE by Edward
Zheng He (Chinese:; 1371–1433 or 1435) was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat sZheng He (Chinese:; 1371–1433 or 1435) was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, fleet admiral, and court eunuch during China's early Ming dynasty. He was originally born as Ma He in a Muslim family, later adopted the conferred surname Zheng from Emperor Yongle.
One theory is that Admiral Zheng He died in 1433. It may have happened during or shortly after the seventh voyage. Another belief is that Zheng He continued to serve as the defender of Nanjing, dying in 1435. A tomb was built for Zheng He at the southern slope of Cattle Head Hill, Nanjing. The original tomb was a horseshoe-shaped grave. It is a believed to contain his clothes and headgear. In 1985, the tomb was rebuilt following a Muslim style. He adopted the eldest son of his elder brother, who was awarded a hereditary officer rank in the imperial guard