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ISSN 2083-6473
ISSN 2083-6481 (electronic version)
Editor-in-Chief
Associate Editor
Prof. Tomasz Neumann
Published by
TransNav, Faculty of Navigation
Gdynia Maritime University
3, John Paul II Avenue
81-345 Gdynia, POLAND
e-mail transnav@umg.edu.pl
An Important Waypoint on Passage of Navigation History: Zheng He's Sailing to West Ocean
1 Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
2 Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
2 Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
ABSTRACT: Zheng He, a famous Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat and fleet admiral of Ming Dynasty, sailed from China to many places throughout South Pacific, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Pesian Gulf, Red Sea and distant Africa in seven epical voyages from 1405 to 1433, some 80 years before Colubus?s voyages to America on Santa Maria. This magnificent feat in the history of navigation was later considered as a sheer waste of energy and money, and a ?failure policy?. The scale of Zheng He?s navigation far exceeds that of Columbus?s ?Great Discovery? which followed, but the former had less effect on the progress of the world history. In this paper, we recall Zheng He?s great adventure, as an important waypoint on the passage of navigation history. An introduction to the historical condition of that age and Zheng He?s family background is presented. The fleets, the passages, as well the experiences are illustrated. The shipbuilding technology and science of navigation of China in the ancient period are also demonstrated. And finally we discuss the historical significance, spirit and impact of Zheng He?s sailing. The great voyages are the magnificent landmarks not only in China?s political and diplomatic history but also in navigational annals of the world.
KEYWORDS: History of Navigation, Admiral Zheng He, Zheng He’s Sailing, Chinese History, Chinese Technology, Celestial Fixing, Navigational Equipment
REFERENCES
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Citation note:
Ding J., Shi C.J., Weintrit A.: An Important Waypoint on Passage of Navigation History: Zheng He's Sailing to West Ocean. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 285-293, 2007
Authors in other databases:
Jin Ding:
Chaojian Shi:
35197257300
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