China: Emperor Zhengde (27 October 1491 - 20 April 1521), 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521). Hanging scroll painting, 16th-17th century. The Zhengde Emperor (1491-1521), personal name Zhu Houzhao and temple name Wuzong, was the 11th emperor of the Ming Dynasty. His era name means 'Rectification of Virtue'. Zhengde thoroughly neglected his imperial duties, beginning a dangerous trend that would plague future Ming emperors. The abandoning of official duties for personal pleasures would slowly lead to the rise of powerful eunuchs that resulted in the fall of the Ming Dynasty.

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Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521). Personal Name: Zhu Houzhao, Zhū Hòuzhào. Posthumous Name: Yidi, Yìdì. Temple Name: Wuzong, Wǔzōng. Reign Name: Ming Zhengde, Ming Zhèngdé. The Zhengde Emperor was 11th emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) between 1505-1521. Born Zhu Houzhao, he was the Hongzhi Emperor's eldest son. His era name means 'Rectification of Virtue'. Though bred to be a successful ruler, Zhengde thoroughly neglected his duties, beginning a dangerous trend that would plague future Ming emperors. The abandoning of official duties to pursue personal gratifications would slowly lead to the rise of powerful eunuchs that would dominate and eventually ruin the Ming Dynasty.

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Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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