Heritage of the Maritime Silk Route: Wrecks of Asian Traders and Ports

The archaeological remnants of coastal ports and shipwrecks serve as invaluable heritage sites that provide profound insights into historical maritime activities conducted by humans. Cross-regional voyages occurred as early as the beginning of the first millennium, aided by the increasing knowledge of the monsoons. Along with expanding intra- and inter-sailing routes, the improved seaworthiness of vessels facilitated the movement of people and seaborne commodities. The names of the Indic, Kunlun, and Persian ships appear in various historical accounts written in the latter half of the first millennium, and the structural details and characteristics can be physically examined by looking at shipwrecks. Southeast and East Asian shipwrecks from the eighth to the fourteenth century provide a perspective on the dynamism of types of seagoing ships involved in long-distance trade. By examining the remnants of cargo being transported by these ships, we begin to understand how the system of cross-regional shipment of heavy and bulky items, metal objects, fragrant woods, glass, and ceramics sustained and impacted the religions, societies, culture, and regional economies. Furthermore, it helps define the Maritime Silk Route heritage to be managed and protected. As such, this paper gives the archaeological evidence of port ruins and wrecks and also introduces, as an example, a case from Central Vietnam.