107. China's Greatest Admiral: The Story of Zheng He

107. China's Greatest Admiral: The Story of Zheng He

In the 15th century, Admiral Zheng He, on the orders of the Emperor of China, embarked upon a series of extraordinary voyages of exploration. These voyages were undertaken in fleets of up to 300 colossal ships, with tens of thousands of men, at great cost to the court of the Ming dynasty. Initially they went all over South-East Asia and finished in India, but as time went on they went further afield, going to Arabia and even reaching East Africa on the seventh and final voyage. Zheng He even brought back a giraffe. China looked set to become a great maritime power, with more advanced naval technology than anywhere else in the world - but Zheng He was mysteriously called home, further voyages were cancelled and all the records of the different expeditions cancelled. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Rana Mitter to discuss Zheng He in the first instalment of the Christmas miniseries on the Ships of Empire. For bonus episodes, ad-free listening, reading lists, book discounts, a weekly newsletter, and a chat community. Sign up at https://empirepod.supportingcast.fm/ Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Jack Davenport + Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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331. The Iranian Revolution: Will The Shah Return To Iran? (Ep 2)

331. The Iranian Revolution: Will The Shah Return To Iran? (Ep 2)

In 1979, the people of Iran took to the streets to topple the Shah. This year they are back in the streets shouting “Long Live The Shah”. How did this happen? How did a country which so volcanically t...

5 Feb 37min

330. The Iranian Revolution: 1979 vs. 2026 (Ep 1)

330. The Iranian Revolution: 1979 vs. 2026 (Ep 1)

In recent weeks, protestors have swarmed the streets in Iran in defiance of the regime, and it feels as if the country is on the precipice of a transformative change. Yet these scenes feel familiar. I...

3 Feb 33min

329. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Raj is Born (Part 8)

329. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Raj is Born (Part 8)

How did Lucknow become the final battleground of the 1857 Uprising? Who was Begum Hazrat Mahal, and how did she hold together a rebellion against overwhelming odds? How did the 1857 Uprising lead to t...

29 Jan 41min

328. Indian Uprising 1857: The Reign of Terror (Part 7)

328. Indian Uprising 1857: The Reign of Terror (Part 7)

How did the British finally break into Delhi during the 1857 Uprising? Why did a sudden solar eclipse change the fate of the siege overnight? Why is the British victory considered one of Delhi’s great...

27 Jan 48min

327. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Strike Back (Part 6)

327. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Strike Back (Part 6)

How did the tide turn towards the end of 1857 as British reinforcements gathered to strike the hearts of the rebellion: Delhi and Lucknow? Who was the British Commander, John Nicholson, and why was he...

22 Jan 48min

326. Indian Uprising 1857: India’s Joan of Arc – Rani of Jhansi (Part 5)

326. Indian Uprising 1857: India’s Joan of Arc – Rani of Jhansi (Part 5)

The warrior queen who fought the British on the battlefield, Rani of Jhansi –or Rani Lakshmibai– is still a hero in India, with comic books and Bollywood movies about her. But what’s the true history ...

20 Jan 1h 3min

325. Indian Uprising 1857: The Siege of Lucknow (Part 4)

325. Indian Uprising 1857: The Siege of Lucknow (Part 4)

An entire city turns on the British and revolts in unison. 3000 East India Company soldiers and civilians in Lucknow are under siege in one compound, hiding in tunnels and surrounded by snipers. But w...

15 Jan 54min

324. Indian Uprising 1857: Massacre and Revenge in Kanpur (Part 3)

324. Indian Uprising 1857: Massacre and Revenge in Kanpur (Part 3)

In one of the darkest chapters of the 1857 uprising, brutal massacres are met with revenge brutal massacres as the rebellion reaches the East India Company garrison town of Kanpur or “Cawnpore”. Who w...

13 Jan 52min

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