1Let us return to the Silk Roads, but this time to the routes that crossed the sea.
2In fact, the maritime network carried far bulkier cargo than any camel caravan could ever manage.
3Our best evidence comes from a ninth century wreck discovered off the Indonesian island of Belitung.
4The ship, an Arab dhow, held tens of thousands of Chinese ceramics packed tightly in its hold.
5Initially, archaeologists assumed the vessel was Chinese, though its construction soon told a different story.
6The planks were sewn together with cord rather than nailed, a technique associated with Arabian shipyards.
7What I want to emphasize is that this single wreck documents a two-way commercial system.
8Some of the bowls bear inscriptions designed for Persian customers, proving that goods were made to order.
9The cargo also included gold and silver objects, spices, and even a large supply of star anise.
10Contrary to the romantic image of explorers, the voyage was driven by routine profit rather than adventure.
11So when you picture the Silk Roads, remember that much of the long distance traffic actually floated.