The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China. The tomb of the first Ming ruler, the Hongwu Emperor (r. 1368–1398), is located near his capital Nanjing. However, the majority of the Ming tombs are located in a cluster near Beijing and collectively known as the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming dynasty. They are located within the suburban Changping District of Beijing Municipality, 42 kilometers (26 mi) north-northwest of Beijing's city center. The site, on the southern slope of Tianshou Mountain (originally Huangtu Mountain), was chosen based on the principles of feng shui by the third Ming emperor, the Yongle Emperor (r. 1402–1424).
Beijing is declared the capital of the Ming dynasty under the Yongle Emperor
The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China.
Historical Significance
The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China.
Events Before
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
An insurrection delivers Paris to the Burgundians
An insurrection delivers Paris to the Burgundians
Milan Cathedral's high altar consecrated by Pope Martin V
Milan Cathedral, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary (Italian: Cattedrale Metropolitana della Natività della Beata Vergine Maria), is the cathedral church of Milan,...
First Defenestration of Prague: Anti-Catholic Hussites, followers of executed reformer Jan Hus, storm Prague Town Hall a
First Defenestration of Prague: Anti-Catholic Hussites, followers of executed reformer Jan Hus, storm Prague Town Hall and throw the judge, mayor, and several city council members out the windows. They die in the fall or are killed by the crowd outside.
Heretic Nicolaas Serrurier exiled from Florence
Heretic Nicolaas Serrurier exiled from Florence
Events After
Battle of Baugé - French defeat English
The Battle of Baugé, fought between the English and a Franco-Scots army on 22 March 1421 at Baugé, France, east of Angers, was a major defeat for the English in the Hundred Years' War.
Jews are expelled from Styria Austria
Jews are expelled from Styria Austria
Southern sea floods 72 villages, killing estimated 10,000 in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with overseas territories in the Caribbean.
Zen teacher Ketsugan performs exorcisms to free Aizōji Temple in Fukushima, Japan
Zen teacher Ketsugan performs exorcisms to free Aizōji Temple in Fukushima, Japan
Battle of Arbedo between the Duke of Milan and the Swiss cantons
Battle of Arbedo between the Duke of Milan and the Swiss cantons
More from the 1420s
Pope Martinus V declares Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut's marriage to Humphrey Duke of Gloucester invalid
Pope Martinus V declares Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut's marriage to Humphrey Duke of Gloucester invalid
English siege of Orleans broken by Joan of Arc and the French army
Joan of Arc is a patron saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orléans and her insistence on the coronation of Charles VII of France during the…
Henry V of England (33) marries Catherine of Valois (18), youngest daughter of King Charles VI of France at Troyes Cathe
Henry V of England (33) marries Catherine of Valois (18), youngest daughter of King Charles VI of France at Troyes Cathedral
Duke Philip the Good (33) weds Isabella of Portugal (32) by proxy (he in Burgundy, she in Portugal)
Duke Philip the Good (33) weds Isabella of Portugal (32) by proxy (he in Burgundy, she in Portugal)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 28, 1420?
- The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China. The tomb of the first Ming ruler, the Hongwu Emperor (r. 1368–1398), is located near his capital Nanjing.
- Why is Beijing is declared the capital of the Ming dynasty under the Yongle Emperor significant?
- The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China.