Xuande Emperor of China (b. 1398)

Born Zhu Zhanji in Beijing. Grandson of the Yongle Emperor, who reportedly dreamed of a great dragon on the night of his birth. A favored grandchild from the start.

Became the fifth Ming emperor at 26 after his father, the Hongxi Emperor, died just ten months into his reign. His uncle Zhu Gaoxu immediately challenged his succession with an armed rebellion.

Personally led the army to crush his uncle's revolt. The campaign took weeks. Zhu Gaoxu surrendered without a major battle. The emperor imprisoned him under a copper vat and later had him burned alive.

Sponsored Zheng He's seventh and final treasure voyage, the great fleet of 300 ships that sailed to Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa. After this voyage, China turned inward. The ships rotted in harbor.

Accomplished painter and calligrapher. His images of animals, insects, and plants in the imperial garden are among the finest examples of Ming court painting. He painted between governing, keeping cricket fights as a hobby.