Diet of Song Dynasty Crew: Archaeological and Historical Perspectives on the Nanhai No. 1 Shipwreck
摘要
The archaeological findings from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck have provided substantial evidence for examining the dietary practices of maritime crew in the Song Dynasty. These findings reveal the complexity and variety of their daily lives. In addition to carrying essential freshwater, the crew also transported a diverse range of alcoholic beverages. These beverages were intended to boost morale and alleviate the monotony of sea voyages. Furthermore, the plant remains discovered on Nanhai No. 1 emphasize the crew’s meticulous selection of staple foods and highlight the intricacies of ancient maritime existence. The predominance of sheep over pigs on the ship can be attributed to two main factors. On the one hand, maritime trade practices during the Song Dynasty prioritized both sheep meat and pork as important sources of protein. On the other hand, the presence of Arabs on board necessitated dietary adjustments, which probably contributed to the higher number of sheep. This phenomenon also reflects the adaptability of the Song Dynasty crew in catering to diverse dietary needs, demonstrating a flexible and pragmatic approach to food consumption at sea. The diverse food remains found on the shipwreck not only validate numerous historical accounts but also vividly depicting the daily life of ancient seafarers. This provides new opportunities for reconstructing and recounting the social history of maritime communities.