Belitung Shipwreck

Definition

The Belitung Shipwreck refers to a significant archaeological discovery of a 9th-century Arab trading vessel found off the coast of Belitung Island, Indonesia, in 1998. This shipwreck is notable for the large number of ceramics, coins, and trade goods it carried, which provide vital insights into maritime trade routes and cultural exchanges between Southeast Asia and the Middle East during that period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Belitung Shipwreck dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and was found at a depth of around 20 meters.
2. Excavations revealed over 60,000 artifacts, including intricate ceramics and gold jewelry, showcasing the artistic skills of the time.
3. The shipwreck highlights the role of Southeast Asia as a crucial hub in ancient maritime trade routes connecting the East and West.
4. Many of the ceramics found were identified as being from the famous Chinese kilns of Jingdezhen, indicating extensive trade relationships.
5. The discovery has significantly contributed to understanding the cultural exchanges between different civilizations during the early medieval period.

Review Questions

• How does the Belitung Shipwreck contribute to our understanding of maritime trade in ancient Southeast Asia?
  • The Belitung Shipwreck offers invaluable insights into maritime trade by revealing a diverse array of artifacts that illustrate the types of goods exchanged between regions. The presence of ceramics from China, coins from various cultures, and other trade items indicates that Southeast Asia was a central hub for trade between the East and West. This shipwreck helps archaeologists piece together how cultures interacted and influenced one another through trade in this period.
• Analyze the significance of the artifacts recovered from the Belitung Shipwreck in terms of cultural exchange during its time.
  • The artifacts recovered from the Belitung Shipwreck are significant as they reflect the cultural exchanges that occurred between different civilizations. The intricate ceramics and other valuable goods point to a well-established trading network that connected various regions. This not only highlights economic interactions but also suggests how ideas, artistic styles, and technologies may have been shared among traders, enriching local cultures in Southeast Asia during this period.
• Evaluate the impact of discoveries like the Belitung Shipwreck on our broader understanding of global historical narratives.
  • Discoveries such as the Belitung Shipwreck significantly impact our understanding of global historical narratives by challenging Eurocentric views of history. They demonstrate that regions like Southeast Asia played vital roles in global trade networks long before European exploration intensified. By showcasing diverse interactions among various cultures through trade, these findings encourage a more inclusive historical perspective that recognizes interconnectedness in human societies across different time periods.

Related terms

Maritime Archaeology: A branch of archaeology that studies human interaction with the sea through the examination of submerged sites, shipwrecks, and artifacts.

Ceramics: Pottery items such as dishes and jars that were commonly traded in ancient maritime routes and are important for understanding trade relationships.

Trade Networks: The interconnected systems through which goods, services, and cultural practices were exchanged across regions, particularly in ancient times.