Constructions and Architecture of the Ming Dynasty

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards reviewing the architecture, imperial capitals, palatial complexes, and military fortifications of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

Ming Dynasty (明朝)

The Chinese imperial dynasty ruling from 1368 to 1644 whose city planning, palatial structures, and border fortifications significantly influenced subsequent eras, notably providing the royal palace foundations for the Qing dynasty.

Forbidden City (紫禁城)

The former Chinese imperial palace in Beijing (now the Palace Museum) that served as the home of Chinese emperors and the political and ceremonial centre of government for almost $500\,\text{years}$ from 1420 to 1924.

Palace Museum (故宮博物院)

The modern name for the Forbidden City in Beijing, recognized as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures and one of the largest preserved palatial architectural sites in the world.

Zhu Di (朱棣)

The Prince of Yan who launched the Jingnan Rebellion in AD 1399, proclaimed Beiping as the capital under the name Beijing in AD 1403, crowned himself Emperor, and ordered the construction of the Forbidden City in AD 1406.

Jingnan Rebellion (靖難之變)

The civil conflict initiated in AD 1399 from Beiping by Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, which ultimately led to his ascension as Emperor.

Nanjing (南京)

The original capital of China at the start of the Ming dynasty prior to Emperor Zhu Di relocating the seat of government north to Beijing.

Beijing (北京)

The capital city established by Emperor Zhu Di in AD 1403 (previously named Beiping) that became the enduring urban and architectural legacy of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Forbidden City Architectural Scale

A palatial complex spanning an area of $72\,\text{hectares}$, with $15\,\text{hectares}$ of built structures consisting of $980$ buildings.

Forbidden City Construction Workforce

The initial workforce deployed starting in AD 1406, comprising $230{,}000$ craftsmen and millions of civilian workers and soldiers over a span of $15\,\text{years}$.

Li Zicheng (李自成)

The rebel commander whose army captured Beijing in AD 1644, ending the Ming dynasty, and who burned down most of the Forbidden City upon his retreat toward Shaanxi.

Wu Sangui (吳三桂)

The Ming dynasty general who surrendered and opened the gates of the strategic Shanhai Pass to the Qing army following the fall of Beijing in AD 1644.

Shanhai Pass (山海關)

The critical military stronghold along the Great Wall surrendered by General Wu Sangui in AD 1644, allowing the Qing forces to enter central China.

Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty (明長城)

A major defensive fortification system spanning approximately $8851.8\,\text{km}$ from western Gansu to eastern Liaoning, constructed to protect northern frontier borders.

Gobi Desert (戈壁沙漠 / 漠北)

The northern desert territory where Mongol forces retreated during the early Ming dynasty while repeatedly attempting to launch incursions back into Ming territory.

Jiayu Pass (嘉峪關)

The western terminus of the Ming Great Wall, located in Gansu Province (甘肅省).

Hushan (虎山 / Tiger Mountain)

The eastern terminus of the Ming Great Wall, located in Liaoning Province (遼寧省).

Ming Wall Defense Network (城堡、墩台與烽堠)

An integrated military defense system consisting of the continuous wall alongside hundreds of castles and thousands of watchtowers and beacon towers.

Yin Di Xing, Ju Xian Zhi Sai (因地形，據險製塞)

The primary construction philosophy of the Ming Great Wall: building according to the natural features of the terrain and leveraging natural geographic barriers for defense.