1371 AD, was a year that changed China forever. This is because Zheng He, Chinese explorer, and fleet commander, was born. His early history and naval expeditions are what make him so significant to ancient China's history. Zheng He was born into a Hui, a Chinese Muslim family, as Ma Sanbao. Instead of practicing Buddhism, Daoism, or Confucianism, Zheng's family worshiped Allah. At the age of ten, the last Mongol hold was re-conquered by China. Ma was captured and sent to the army to become an orderly. There he made many influential friends at court and became skilled in war. About twenty years later, Prince of Yan revolted, creating the Yongle Empire. Ma became an influence on Yongle Court, this caused the emperor to change his
