Quiz · The Maritime Silk Road and the Belitung Wreck

Question 1What is the speaker's main point about the maritime Silk Road?

Much of the long distance Silk Road trade actually travelled by sea. Camel caravans carried far bulkier cargo than any ship could. Arab dhows were originally designed by Chinese shipbuilders. The Belitung wreck proves sailors were driven by adventure.

Question 2Why did archaeologists conclude the Belitung ship was not Chinese?

Its ceramic cargo had been made only for Persian customers. Its planks were sewn with cord, a technique linked to Arabian shipyards. Its hold was far too small for a typical Chinese trading vessel. Its gold and silver objects came from known Arab workshops.

Question 3What proved that some goods on the ship had been made to order?

Star anise packed tightly alongside gold and silver objects. Written records listing orders placed by Arab merchants. Bowls bearing inscriptions designed for Persian customers. Ceramics stamped with the names of Chinese court officials.

Question 4What advantage did the maritime network have over camel caravans?

It was faster in every season of the year. It carried far bulkier cargo than caravans could. It was safer from attacks by bandits. It required fewer crew members per journey.

Question 5What kind of ship was the Belitung vessel?

An Arab dhow. A Chinese junk. A Roman galley. A Persian warship.

Question 6What was the hold of the Belitung ship packed with?

Silk rolls destined for Arabian markets. Spices and incense from Indonesian islands. Tens of thousands of Chinese ceramics. Copper coins minted for Persian traders.

Question 7How were the planks of the Belitung ship joined?

They were nailed together with iron spikes. They were glued with tree resin and pitch. They were carved from a single massive trunk. They were sewn together with cord.

Question 8Besides ceramics, what else did the cargo of the ship include?

Bronze mirrors, silk robes, and jade statues. Ivory tusks, copper ingots, and glass beads. Gold and silver objects, spices, and star anise. Tea bricks, paper scrolls, and lacquer boxes.

Question 9How does the speaker characterise the voyage that ended at Belitung?

As a heroic journey of exploration. As a voyage driven by routine profit. As a diplomatic mission between empires. As a desperate escape from pirates.

Question 10Why does the speaker discuss the Belitung wreck in this talk?

To prove Chinese ships dominated the sea routes. To show the sea routes were used only for luxury goods. To describe how Arab dhows were constructed. To document a two-way commercial system crossing the sea.