Ancient Chinese Treasures Discovered in Shipwrecks by Divers

The Ming Dynasty marked a pivotal period in Chinese history. It characterized nearly 300 years of life in region and produced some valuable goods that often still survive to this day behind museum glass.

More than 400 years after the end of the dynasty, scientists are still uncovering treasures from this era. On June 13, China's National Cultural Heritage Administration announced that maritime archaeologists have recovered more than 900 pieces of cultural relics from two shipwrecks in the South China Sea. The mission started last year and was a joint endeavor by various research institutes and a local museum.

The two Ming Dynasty shipwrecks were first discovered in 2022 nearly 5,000 feet below the surface of the South China Sea. According to a statement from the Chinese government, researchers excavated 890 artifacts from the first one, including copper coins and porcelain and pottery items, and 38 pieces of history from the second one, such as lumber, porcelain and pottery products, turban shells, and deer antlers .

The finds seemingly indicate that the South China Sea was a well-traveled route for the Chinese back then. According to NCHA deputy head Guan Qiang, the ships likely saw some historic encounters and exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road . The discoveries at such a deep part of the ocean, Guan said, speak to incredible accomplishments in maritime archaeology.

You truly never know what lies beneath the surface.