Over 900 Ming Dynasty Relics Unearthed from South China Sea Shipwrecks

Over 900 Ming Dynasty Relics Unearthed from South China Sea Shipwrecks

A remarkable underwater excavation in the South China Sea has led to the recovery of 928 cultural relics from two ancient shipwrecks dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) announced the significant findings on Thursday.

The joint excavation, spanning from 2023 to 2024, involves collaboration between research institutes and a local museum in south China’s Hainan Province. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the maritime history and trade practices of the Ming era.

From Shipwreck No. 1, archaeologists retrieved 890 artifacts, including exquisite porcelain and pottery pieces, as well as copper coins that shed light on the economic exchanges of the time. Shipwreck No. 2 yielded 38 relics, comprising lumber, additional porcelain and pottery items, turban shells, and deer antlers, hinting at the diverse cargo once transported across these waters.

The two shipwrecks were initially discovered in October 2022 at a depth of approximately 1,500 meters near the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea. Their well-preserved state provides an unprecedented opportunity for historians and researchers to deepen their understanding of the Ming Dynasty’s naval architecture and seafaring activities.

“These findings are invaluable for studying the ancient maritime Silk Road and the cultural interactions between China and other regions,” noted an NCHA spokesperson during the press briefing.

The ongoing excavation not only enriches the historical narrative of the region but also underscores the significance of underwater archaeology in uncovering submerged chapters of human history. Scholars anticipate that continued research will reveal further insights into the technological advancements and trade networks of the era.

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