• Acta Via Serica
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-32
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• 2024

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.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.166-185
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• 2015

Recently, as an enonomic importance of the Eurasian Continent raises, the necessity of east-west connecting ancient transport roads research is increasing. Although domestic research of eastern-western international exchange in the Eurasia is not yet very active, the studies of history, archaeology, art history, folklore, costume history have been advanced steadily. An attention for the exchange through steppe route originated from the interest in Korean folk and Korean culture and the research range is extending to Xiungnu, Kurgan culture as a direct investigation on the remains of Mongolia and Kazakhstan has been achieved constantly. The art history has been leading the research of exchange which is based on desert and oasis. The field research of Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, etc progressed in various routes, and the research on diverse topics including Silla's golden culture, transmission of glass, and the Buddhism is improving. Research on the maritime silk road is weaker, compared to other parts. Buddhist and Hindu temples of Southeast Asia attracted some interest to people, but the research should focus on the restoration of sea route and consideration of its meaning. Research of this part is expected to be more activative, as domestic researchers investigate Don Son culture and Sa Huynh culture of Vietnam by themselves. From now on, we should focus on topics that are not directly connected to Korean history, and Korean culture. Because it is also our duty to study and conserve the culture of entire human community.