Yongle was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China, ruling from 1402 to 1424. He is best known for his ambitious projects, including the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing and the commissioning of the Yongle Encyclopedia, one of the largest encyclopedias in history. His reign marked a period of significant cultural and economic growth. Under Yongle's leadership, China also expanded its maritime exploration, notably through the voyages of Zheng He. These expeditions aimed to establish trade routes and diplomatic relations with various regions, including Southeast Asia and East Africa. Yongle's policies helped solidify China's influence during the early 15th century.