Ming

Ming dynasty (1368–1644) was a major Chinese dynasty that followed the Yuan and preceded the Qing. It was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, who became the Hongwu Emperor after driving the Mongol-led Yuan from power. The regime established a centralized, bureaucratic state and restored civil service examinations that had been disrupted under Mongol rule.

Capital and administration: The early capital was Nanjing; in 1421 the Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, moved the capital to Beijing and commissioned the Forbidden City. The dynasty pursued centralized authority, expanded state institutions, and constructed a defensive framework including major sections of the Great Wall to deter northern incursions.

Economy and society: Agriculture benefited from land reforms, irrigation, and tax restructuring; population grew and urban centers flourished. Trade and manufacturing expanded, supported by a stable currency and improved commercial networks. Maritime expeditions under Zheng He (early 15th century) extended Chinese influence and trade across the Indian Ocean, though large-scale overseas voyages were subsequently curtailed.

Culture and technology: The Ming produced celebrated porcelain, notably blue-and-white wares, and advances in printing and literature. Classical novels and drama flourished, reflecting enduring Chinese cultural traditions. Architecture, painting, and the arts continued to develop within a centralized ceremonial culture.

Decline and legacy: By the late 16th and early 17th centuries the dynasty faced fiscal strain, natural disasters, and governance challenges. Rebellion and famine culminated in Li Zicheng's siege of Beijing in 1644; the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, committed suicide as Manchu forces entered the capital. The Ming loyalist remnants formed the Southern Ming before fading with the rise of the Qing.

Name and meaning: The name Ming (Míng) means bright or luminous in Chinese. It is used as a personal name and appears in other contexts beyond the dynasty. The Ming period left lasting legacies in governance, art, and East Asian cultural exchange.