Who is Zheng He from When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433 and what is their importance?

Zheng He was a life-long friend of Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Di. As was very common in the time of the Ming, Zheng He was a eunuch. There were various reasons why some men were castrated; often it was to be made more loyal servants. It is not clear why Zheng He was made a eunuch. However, as witnessed by his friendship with the Emperor, eunuchs were not necessarily looked down upon.