Ascension of the Hongwu Emperor

Date: January 23, 1368 • Location: Beijing, China

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1368–1398.

The Hongwu Emperor (pictured) ascended the throne, initiating the Ming dynasty, which would rule China for three centuries.

The Hongwu Emperor, personal name Zhu Yuanzhang, was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, reigning from 1368 to 1398.