Zheng He’s Lost Age of Exploration

Imagine a fleet of 300 ships, some longer than a football ...China had ships longer

than football fields a century before Columbus was even born. In 1405,

Admiral Zheng He commanded a fleet of over 300 vessels. His treasure ships measured over 400

feet long. To put that in perspective, Columbus's Santa Maria was only 85 feet.

These weren't just bigger ships. They were floating cities carrying 28,000 sailors,

soldiers, and diplomats. While Europe was still figuring out basic navigation,

China was conducting diplomatic missions across the Indian Ocean, reaching Africa

decades before Europeans. The treasure ships had nine masts, watertight compartments, and advanced navigation