China discovers treasure on Ming Dynasty shipwreck

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said on June 13 that a team of archaeologists salvaged more than 900 artifacts from two ancient shipwrecks, known as Ship No. 1 and Ship No. 2, respectively, in the Hainan Island area (China), according to the South China Morning Post .

The two salvage sites are about 22 kilometers apart on Hainan Island. They were discovered in October 2022 by the crew of a manned research submarine.

China discovers treasure on Ming Dynasty shipwreck

NCHA revealed that 890 objects, including porcelain, ceramics and coins, were salvaged from the No. 1 shipwreck. Researchers said the cargo on board originated from the porcelain capital Jingdezhen and was intended for export.

A total of 38 artifacts were recovered from Shipwreck No. 2, including ebony logs, porcelain, ceramics, shells and antlers. The ship was returning to China when it sank, according to an October 2023 article in the National Archaeological Center of China.

Robotic arm from research submersible is recovering ceramic relics in Hainan (China)

Researchers used deep-sea technology to investigate Ming Dynasty sites on China's northwest continental slope at depths of 1.5 kilometers in three phases over the past year. A 3D laser scanner and high-resolution cameras were also used to record the distribution of shipwreck sites.

Archaeologists said they believe the shipwrecks came from different periods during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). "The discovery of the two shipwrecks is important evidence of trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient maritime Silk Road," said Guan Qiang, deputy director of the NCHA. The findings are a milestone in China's marine archaeology, according to the NCHA.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-phat-hien-kho-bau-tren-tau-dam-thoi-nha-minh-185240614165614795.htm