Imperial China was a great seafaring nation. With the invention of the junks, massive, nearly unsinkable ships, it is safe to say that by the 14th century China had the best sea vessels in the world. The invention of the compass made navigation as trustworthy as never before and Admiral Zheng He's treasure fleet eagerly explored the Seven Seas. The first Chinese navy also depended on the mighty junk for their fighting tactics. But not all emperors were convinced of seefare and so the Chinese maritime power ended somewhat abruptly, giving the rest of the world time to catch up. Learn all about China on the water on IT'S HISTORY.
