The Yongle Emperor, born Zhu Di (朱棣), was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China, reigning from 1402 to 1424. His reign marked a significant era of cultural and economic prosperity, as well as military expansion.
Zhu Di was the fourth son of Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. After his father's death, his nephew, Jianwen Emperor, ascended the throne. However, Zhu Di, then the Prince of Yan, launched a rebellion against Jianwen, known as the Jingnan Campaign, which lasted from 1399 to 1402. In 1402, Zhu Di captured Nanjing, the capital, and declared himself emperor, taking the era name Yongle (永樂), which means "Perpetual Happiness."
The Yongle Emperor's reign is often considered one of the high points of Chinese imperial history due to its cultural and economic advancements. However, his methods of gaining the throne and some of his military endeavors were controversial, leading to a mixed legacy. His era saw the development of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which remains a symbol of Ming architecture and imperial power.
Yongle died in 1424 during a military campaign against the Mongols. His death led to the ascension of his son, Hongxi Emperor, who reigned for just one year before his own death. Yongle's aggressive policies and extensive building projects left the treasury depleted, which posed challenges for his successors.