January 23: In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang ascends the throne of China, as the Emperor Hongwu who begins the famous Ming Dynasty, which lasted nearly three centuries in power.

The Ming Dynasty was started in 1368 by a peasant who became known as Hongwu (Vast Military) Emperor.

The Ming Dynasty ruled China for 276 years, from 1368 to 1644. The Ming Dynasty has been described as one of the greatest eras of government order and social stability in human history.

                  Picture of Emperor Hongwu.

Hongwu Emperor was in power for 30 years between 1368 and 1398. The emperor was also known as Taizu (of peasant origin) whose first action was to expel the Mongols and restore land devastated by the Mongol invaders. The Mongol Yuan Dynasty was expelled completely from China.

The Great Wall of China to stop Mongol invaders

The Hongwu Emperor undertook great projects with irrigation systems to return to cultivate the land and reforest the country side. Cereals harvested were transported by sea to the north, with the obstacles of storms and piracy.

A comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has concluded that the Ming walls measure 8,850 km (5,500 mi).

The absolutist government of Taizu was reflecting his peasant origins. He also began to distrust everyone and turned brutally excessive. He created a secret police to spy on, arrest, torture and even murder without trial. Politics forbade women and eunuchs, because the latter came to have control over almost all levels of government.

Jar, Ming dynasty, Xuande mark and period (1426–1435) China Porcelain painted in underglaze blue.

Hongwu created a powerful self-sufficient society that could sustain an army of one million soldiers to defend his dynastic empire. China's capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing, where they built the "Forbidden City", residence of the Emperor and his court.

A 15th century, Ming Dynasty "Chicken Cup" valued at $26 million.

The next 246 years they ruled the Ming Dynasty and left a legacy that will transcend throughout the future, perhaps to the "end times". Indeed, in order to prevent future invasions, the Ming Dynasty ordered to build the famous Great Wall of China. In artistic matters, is admirable beauty and fineness of the Ming ceramics. In addition, China's capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing where they ordered the construction of "The Forbidden City" as the residence of the emperor and his court.