580 pieces of relics retrieved from ancient shipwrecks

via various sources, 19 October 2023: Nearly 580 artefacts, including porcelain, pottery, and timber, have been discovered in two ancient shipwrecks in the South China Sea. These findings, announced by China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and were found about 1,500 meters below sea level. The relics offer concrete evidence of China’s historical exploration, utilization, and trade in the South China Sea, as well as its role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

The relics, which include porcelain, pottery, and timber, provide concrete evidence that the Chinese ancestors explored, utilized, and traded in the South China Sea, said the administration at a press conference.

The two shipwrecks from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) were found about 1,500 meters below sea level, it said, adding that they are an important witness of trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Source: 580 pieces of relics retrieved from ancient shipwrecks-Xinhua

See also:

• Details of ancient shipwrecks in South China Sea show Maritime Silk Road exchanges | Global Times, 19 Oct 2023
• Shipwrecks shed light on Maritime Silk Road | China Daily, 20 Oct 2023
• Deep-sea treasure hunt: New batch of relics retrieved from ancient shipwrecks in South China Sea | CGTN, 20 Dec 2023