Hongwu Emperor Timeline

Zhu Yuanzhang, the future founder of the Ming Dynasty, the Hongwu Emperor, is born.

Zhu Yuanzhang, the future Ming Hongwu Emperor, takes over the leadership of the rebel Red Turbans Movement.

Zhu Yuanzhang, leader of the rebel Red Turbans Movement and future Ming Hongwu Emperor, takes control of Nanjing.

Zhu Yuanzhang, future Ming Hongwu Emperor, defeats the rival rebel leader Chen Youliang at the battle of Poyang Lake.

Zhu Yuanzhang, future Ming Hongwu Emperor, defeats the rival rebel leader Zhang Shicheng.

Reign of the Ming Dynasty in China.

Reign of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty in China.

Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty, declares himself Emperor of China, taking the reign name Hongwu.

Civil service entrance examinations are reintroduced in China.