Exploring the Legacy of Zheng He

The video discusses a controversial picture comparing the sizes of Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria and Zheng He's treasure ship. It delves into Zheng He's life, his seven voyages, and the diplomatic missions he led for the Ming dynasty. The video also explores the debate over the size of his treasure ships, presenting skepticism and evidence regarding their dimensions. It concludes by highlighting the potential historical impact if China had pursued exploration further.

What sparked the controversy discussed in the video?

• The discovery of a new shipwreck

• The size comparison between two historical ships

• The origin of a famous explorer

• The authenticity of a historical painting

What significant event happened to Zheng He at the age of 10?

• He became a prince

• He was captured and became a servant

• He was appointed as an admiral

• He discovered a new trade route

What was the primary purpose of Zheng He's voyages?

• To establish new colonies

• To find new spices

• To discover new lands

• To conduct diplomatic missions

Which exotic animal did Zheng He bring back to the emperor?

• A lion

• A tiger

• A giraffe

• An elephant

What is the reported length of Zheng He's treasure ships according to Chinese sources?

• 300 feet

• 447 feet

• 500 feet

• 200 feet

Why do some scholars doubt the reported size of the treasure ships?

• The ships were never built

• Lack of contemporary evidence

• The ships were too small

• The ships were made of metal

What was a significant challenge in building large wooden ships?

• Finding enough wood

• Handling the flex caused by waves

• Training enough sailors

• Navigating the open ocean

What evidence supports the claim of the large size of Zheng He's ships?

• A written diary

• A discovered rudder plate

• A shipwreck

• A historical painting

What conclusion does the video suggest about China's potential in exploration?

• China focused solely on internal affairs

• China lacked the resources for exploration

• China was uninterested in exploration

• China could have discovered the New World before Columbus

What might have changed the course of American history according to the video?

• If Zheng He had become emperor

• If Columbus had sailed earlier

• If the treasure ships were smaller

• If the Ming Dynasty had pursued exploration