Ancient Chinese Coin (Ming Dynasty first emperor) Hong Wu Tong Bao 1368-1398

The Hongwu Emperor, also known as Zhu Yuanzhang started life as a poor peasant who became a novice monk. When the monastery he lived in was destroyed by war he become a wandering beggar. Despite these harsh beginnings, Zhu Yuanzhang rose to become one of the most powerful leaders in Chinese history.

In 1368, he founded the Ming Dynasty and declared himself the Hongwu Emperor. His rise to power is particularly fascinating because he led the rebellion that overthrew the Yuan Dynasty, a regime established by the Mongols, effectively restoring Chinese rule over China after nearly a century of foreign domination.

Hongwu's reign was noted for his drastic efforts to consolidate power, improve peasant lives, and strengthen the imperial administration. He established the autocratic rule by reducing the role of court officials and increasing his own control

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