# data[].attributes.body
For more info try reading a book.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ming Dynasty Great Wall: The wall referred to today as the Great Wall was built mainly in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).

# data[].attributes.body
Finished-1368 to 1644
length-8850km
location-north china
built to- defend china
forts- over 1000

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the late period of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), a peasant's uprising - Hongjinjun (army with red scarf in the head) uprising broke out against the Mongols. In 1352 when the rebel army captured Haozhou (currently Fengyang in Anhui Province), Zhu Yuanzhang, a local young man from a peasant family joined the army. After that, Zhu served with distinction in the battles. He was then chosen as general by a rebelling warlord named Guo Ziyi. After the death of the rebelling warlord, Zhu took control and continued forth to realize his plan to take control over all of China. In 1356, Zhu led his army into the city of Jiqing (currently Nanjing in Jiangsu Province), changed the city name into Yingtian and established his own military base there. Through several years' efforts, both the military and economical strength of Zhu's army quickly became stronger. From 1360 to 1367, his army managed to eliminate the remaining separatist military forces.

In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang officially proclaimed himself emperor in Yingtian and founded the Ming Dynasty.

In the same year, the Ming army captured Dadu (currently Beijing), the capital city of Yuan, and rid China of most of the remaining Mongols, ultimately ending Yuan.

After the founding of the new dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang implemented a series of policies to reduce the peasants' burden and to resume the production of the whole society. On the other hand, he focused much attention on the punishment and prevention of corruption among court officials. Additionally, he sent his sons to supervise the local administration so as to strengthen his hold on imperial power. After Zhu Yuanzhang died, his grandson Zhu Yunwen took over the throne. However, his reign only lasted for four years, ending in a coup launched by Zhu Di, the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang. Hence, Zhu Di was Emperor Chengzu, whose reign was considered as one of the most prosperous periods in this dynasty. During his reign, an unprecedented encyclopedia called Yongle Dadian was regarded as the biggest and earliest encyclopedia in the world. From 1405 to 1433, Emperor Chengzu sent a eunuch named Zhenghe to lead Ming's fleets across the Indian Ocean. They visited many countries in Southeast Asia, expanding the influence of the Ming Dynasty in the world. Meanwhile,

Emperor Chengzu began to construct an imperial palace from 1406 and moved the capital city from Yingtian to Beijing in 1421.

The turning point from prosperity to decline was the reign of Emperor Shenzong. In the early period, under the wise assistance of a skillful chancellor, Zhang Juzheng, Emperor Shenzong made much improvement in the national economy, agriculture, water conservancy and military affairs. However, after the death of Zhang Juzheng, the emperor began to neglect state affairs. In his late reign, the Ming army was defeated by the leader of the so-called 'Latter Jin' regime - Nurhachu in the Battle of Sarhu. Since then, the Ming court fell into a passive state in confrontation with the 'Latter Jin' set up by Nuzhen ethnic minority.

The end of this dynasty started from the last emperor, Emperor Weizong's reign - the reign went by the name Chongzhen. The crisis was caused by the corruption of the court officials and the domination of the eunuchs. In that period, both the exploitation from the ruling class and natural disasters in successive years caused the

Dingling, Beijing Ming Tombs

people to live in extreme hardship. In 1628, dozens of rebel military forces launched battles in the northern area of Shaaxi Province. Among them, one of the leaders of the rebel army was named Li Zicheng, and he was deeply trusted and supported by most peasants. In 1644, Li Zicheng captured Xi'an and founded a new regime called Dashun. In the same year, Emperor Weizong hanged himself in Jingshan Hill of Beijing, signifying the end of this dynasty.

Economically, the Ming Dynasty was a period during which the feudal society began to show the declining trend while the capitalism started to originate. In agriculture, both the food output and the implements of production surpassed that of the Song and Yuan Dynasties. From the early period, the handicraft industry in the southern areas developed rapidly. Especially, the porcelain making industry reached an unprecedented level. Since the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, it had been a major source of the state finance. The currently famous Jindezhen kiln was once the imperial kiln in that period.

The development of the handicraft industry promoted market economy and urbanization. During the reign of Emperor Shizong and Emperor Shenzong, a great amount of commodities including silk, alcohol, porcelain, tobacco, crops, vegetable and fruits was sold in the market. Meanwhile, many foreign commodities such as clocks from Europe and tobacco from America were on sale in many cities of China. Also, a series of commercial metropolises including Beijing, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Xi'an and Chengdu were successively formed. However, the later policy of restraining commerce and the stringent ban on shipping greatly hampered commercial development.

The culture developed rapidly, especially in literature. Three of the four great classical masterpieces of Chinese literature - Journey to the West, Outlaws of the Marsh, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms were written in during this period. Besides, another two well-known novels - Peony Pavilion and The Plum in the Golden Vase were also excellent works in that period. Meanwhile, folk literature prospered, represented by a group of writers such as Tang Yin, Song Lian, Zhang Dai, Wu Weiye and Yuan Hongdao. In philosophy, Wang Yangming's new thoughts called 'philosophy of the mind' formed a new thinking wave which helped shape a new social trend.

Badaling Great Wall, Ming Dynasty

Before the 16th century, the scientific development of the Ming Dynasty had been in the forefront of the world.Many scientific books appeared in the early and middle period, namely, medical book Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen, Song Yingxing's Heavenly Creations about handicraft industry, Xu Guangqi's Complete Treatise on Agriculture and Xu Xiake's Travels of Xu Xiake. All these have been the precious documents for today's study of the ancient technology. Additionally, the military technology was relatively advanced in that period. A kind of gun called 'huochong gun' and powerful artillery were invented in the late period. It is said that a man named Wan Hoo even tried to fly to the sky by sitting in a chair propelled by gunpowder sticks. Unfortunately, he failed and became the first sacrifice in human conquest of the sky.

In the end, the greatest achievements accomplished during this time were on architecture. The Forbidden City in Beijing was crafted this time. Porcelain making was also relevant during this time, which contributed to arts of present day.

6

Ming Yingzong
(Zhu Qizhen)

Son of Emperor Xuanzong; He ascended the throne at eight and was later imprisoned by Mongols due to the failure of Tumu Crisis. After being house arrested for seven years, his launched a coup and regained his second reign.

1436 - 1449,
1457 - 1464

11

Ming Shizong
(Zhu Houcong)

Cousin of Emperor Wuzong and nephew of Emperor Xiaozong; He was also infatuated with women as well a s Taoist alchemical pursuits.

1522 - 1566

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the late period of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), a peasant's uprising - Hongjinjun (army with red scarf in the head) uprising broke out against the Mongols. In 1352 when the rebel army captured Haozhou (currently Fengyang in Anhui Province), Zhu Yuanzhang, a local young man from a peasant family joined the army.

# data[].attributes.body
The Ming dynasty had at least 16 leaders.
1-Hongwu-1368 to 1398
2-Huizong-1399 to 1402
3-Chengzu-1403 to 1424
4-Renzong-1425
5-Xuanzong-1426 to 1435
6-Yingzong-1436 to 1464
7-Daizong-1450 to 1457
8-Xainzong-1465 to 1487
9-Xainzong the 2nd-1488 to 1505
10-Wuzong-1506 to 1521
11-Shizong-1522 to 1566
12-Muzong-1567 to 1572
13-Shenzong-1573 to 1620
14-Guanzong-1620
15-Xizong-1621 to 1627
16-Weizong-1628 to 1644

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Known as the Empire of the Great Ming, the Ming Dynasty is considered as one of the greatest eras in ancient history. Along with its popularity, this particular era was responsible for the restoration of the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canal. It was also the time when the Forbidden City was established. Aside from its awe-inspiring achievements, people may wonder what religions were prevalent during the Ming Dynasty.

Taoism and Buddhism

The Ming Dynasty had several religious inclinations, but the dominant religious beliefs during that time were Taoism (also Daoism) and Buddhism. Some people believed in having a harmonious relationship with nature. During this era, scriptures and various practices were done to establish harmony with nature. On the other hand, others believed in Buddha (Buddhism). Some Chinese spent their whole life based on Buddha's teachings. In fact, Buddhism has played a major role in shaping the way Chinese people think.

The Arrival of Christianity

Christianity was also spreading in China during the Ming Dynasty. Christianity arrived along with the Jesuit missionaries. The Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci was one of them. He was able to convince Chinese members of the upper class to join with him through the advanced Western technology he introduced to them. Some Chinese were cajoled to live the Christian life.

Prominence of Ming Dynasty Religion Today

During the reign of Ming Dynasty, social stability was quite prevalent. It was an era of economic prospering for China. Some people may not recognize it, but the various religions during that time had contributed much to what the Chinese community is today. Even though Ming Dynasty collapsed as early as 1600, it is no doubt that Taoism and Chinese Buddhism are still practiced nowadays.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Chinese Ming Dynasty Religion | Prominent Religious Beliefs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Photo by: Wikipedia Creative Commons Known as the Empire of the Great Ming, the Ming Dynasty is considered as one of the greatest eras in ancient history. Along with its popularity, this particular era was responsible for the restoration of the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canal.

# data[].attributes.body
The Ming dynasty had two religons, Taloism and Budism. "some people belived in having a harmonios relationship with nature."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644. The Ming Dynasty is characterized by effective governing and social stability. Unlike previous dynasties, the Ming Dynasty had only one Department-the Secretariat. The Secretariat controlled the Six Ministries. They were headed by a Minister and the day to day affairs were looked after by a Director all under the direct control of the Emperor.

The Censorate

In 1430, the Censorate was re-established and institutionalized. Initially they were called Censors and subsequently were known as Censors-in-Chief. They were powerful bureaucrats who had direct access to the Emperor. Provincial administrators were overseen by a travelling Inspector sent from the Censorate. They had the power to impeach officials for dereliction of duty.

The Grand Secretariat and the Six Ministries

The civil administration of China remained essentially unchanged for 2000 years. The Ming Dynasty government appointed Grand Secretaries to assist the Emperor with paperwork. The job of the Secretariat was essentially one of coordination between the six different ministries. The six ministries were responsible for different administrative functions of state such as Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice and Public Works.

* The Ministry of Personnel handled all matters relating to government employees, from appointment to assessment of work, promotions etc.
* The Ministry of Revenue was in charge of tax collection, state revenues, and currency.
* The Ministry of Rites was in charge of all ceremonial matters and the priesthood.
* Ministry of War was in charge of all matters relating to the armed forces. They also ran the courier system.
* The Ministry of Justice was responsible for the judicial and penal process. They did not have jurisdiction over the Censorate.
* The Ministry of Works was in charge of all government construction projects and maintenance of roads. They also were responsible for the standardization of weights and measures in the country.

In the middle ages, China had one of the most efficient bureaucracies in the world. Merit rather than connections was valued. This ensured that the Ming Dynasty government was efficient and that China prospered under its administration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Chinese Ming Dynasty Government System & Laws

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644. The Ming Dynasty is characterized by effective governing and social stability. Unlike previous dynasties, the Ming Dynasty had only one Department-the Secretariat. The Secretariat controlled the Six Ministries.

# data[].attributes.body
"The Ming dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644.  The Ming Dynasty had only one department - the Sectrariat. The Sectrarait controlled the 6 ministers