Premodern China and the Maritime World: Current Development in Underwater Archaeology of China

UCLA presents a research lecture by leading underwater archaeologists from the National History Museum of China.

Underwater Archaeological Centre at the National History Museum of China is established in 1990. During the last two decades, it has emerged to be a leading research institution for nautical archaeology in East Asia.

The center excavated half dozen important shipwrecks and conducted extensive underwater surveys. The excavations of Nanhai No.1 shipwreck (13th century) and Wanjiao No.1 shipwreck (17th century) were benchmarks in Chinese maritime archaeology.

The more recent work involves underwater reconnaissance in Kenya,in search of remains of Zheng He's fleet in the early 15th century, which expands the research scope to the Indian Ocean. Together, the excavation and survey data inform on trade activities and cultural interactions of the pre-modern Chinese society from the perspective of maritime world.

These shipwreck sites offer important archaeological evidence for the transition from the premodern Asiatic maritime trade network in the 13th century to the beginning of global trade during the 16th and 17th centuries.  As the first underwater archaeology program in China, the center also provided training to research institutions around China and also has extensive collaborations internationally.  The research lecture will be an overview of the national program, the highlights of recent shipwreck excavations, and plans for future work.

Speakers:
Zhao Jiabin
Director
Underwater Archaeology Research Centre
National Museum of China

Li Jian'an
Director/Professor
Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Fujian Provincial Museum

Meng Yuanzhao
Underwater Archaeology Research Center
National Museum of China

Li Bin
Associate Professor
Underwater Archaeology Research Center
National Museum of China

Zhai Yang
Associate Professor
Shanghai Museum

Li Min
Assistant Professor
Anthropology/Asian Languages and Cultures
Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, UCLA