A Treasure Trove from the Depths
In July 2022, an extraordinary tale of an ancient shipwreck unfolded, spanning over eight centuries. The Nanhai No. 1, a merchant vessel that sank during the Southern Song Dynasty off the coast of Yangjiang City, China, was unearthed through a groundbreaking underwater archaeological project. Led by Yu Weichao, a pioneer in the field, this discovery marked a significant milestone in China’s underwater archaeology.
The Quest for the National Treasure
Initially mistaken for a British shipwreck, meticulous research unveiled the Nanhai No. 1’s Chinese origins, prompting a shift from salvage to preservation efforts. The treasure trove of nearly 200,000 cultural relics onboard highlighted the ship’s national significance, cementing its status as a priceless piece of maritime heritage.
Triumph of the Whole Ship Salvage
A Monumental Undertaking
Faced with the challenges of poor visibility and a fragile ship frame, archaeologists made a bold decision: to salvage the entire vessel as a single entity. After years of meticulous planning and execution, the Nanhai No. 1 was triumphantly lifted from the depths in December 2007, setting a new precedent for underwater cultural heritage preservation.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Past
A Window into Ancient Shipbuilding
The Nanhai No. 1’s hull provided a rare glimpse into ancient Chinese shipbuilding techniques. As an authentic example of a “Fujian ship” designed for ocean navigation during the Song Dynasty, its relatively short but wide hull, constructed primarily from pine and fir wood, offered insights into the engineering drawings of ancient vessels.
Life on Board: A Vivid Tapestry
The cultural relics recovered from the shipwreck painted a vivid picture of life during the Song Dynasty. Remains of domestic animals, fruits, nuts, and crops shed light on the crew’s sustenance and culinary practices. Objects like ink stones, seals, and statues of the Goddess of Mercy offered glimpses into daily life on board.
Connections to the Maritime Silk Road
The Nanhai No. 1’s strategic location along the Maritime Silk Road underscored its significance in ancient trade networks. The discovery of gold, silver, and copper coins affirmed the thriving commodity economy of the era, while exotic artifacts hinted at cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia and West Asia.
The Silk Mystery Unraveled
Remarkably, the detection of silk protein within the ship’s cabin confirmed the presence of silk products, solving the long-standing mystery of their absence along the Maritime Silk Road. This finding reaffirmed the role of silk in connecting the ancient world through maritime trade routes.
A Lasting Legacy
The Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck stands as a testament to the perseverance and innovation of China’s underwater archaeology. Its artifacts continue to captivate researchers and enthusiasts, offering invaluable insights into China’s maritime history, trade networks, and cultural exchanges with the world.
