It’s a remarkable story of encounter and discovery, a clash of many cultures and their interests. Read on to unfold the fascinating story of a single item that changed the course of history.  

They were seeking new products, textiles, spices, and other resources that couldn’t be found in continental Europe. One of these explorers was an ambitious Portuguese man named Vasco Da Gama.

This massive discovery was made with the crown’s support and many wealthy investors. They wanted to find a way to avoid passing through Constantinople (in current-day Istanbul). The reason was that the Ottomans were causing the trade that went through the land routes as very expensive. 

Around the coasts of modern-day Oman, on Al Hallaniyah Island, Da Gama’s fleet struck another fleet of Arab ships that were on their way. They destroyed 29 Calicut ships but also lost two of their own, the Esmeralda and the Sao Pedro.

It took some time for Blue Water and the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Culture to conclude that the debris was actually from Esmeralda. Still, when they did, they could put together many puzzle pieces that had been missing for nearly five centuries. Thanks to these experts, history is now unveiling itself from the ocean’s depths.

The excursion was a mess from the beginning, full of intense and violent negotiations with the Rajah. The explorer also made sure to assert his dominance by bombing Calicut. As a result, the Portuguese fleet’s reputation was very negative. The Esmeralda was in Sondré’s fleet, and as they took shelter in Senegal, both groups were separated.

This attack was considered a declaration of war, and in 1503, a war began between the Zamorin of Calicut and the Rajah of Cochin. Vasco Da Gama would eventually benefit greatly from this conflict, leading to important commercial contracts.

The fleet anchored at Al Hallaniyah in the Khuriya Muriya Islands in May 1503. Locals warned them of an upcoming storm, but Vincente ignored the warning, and the storm struck hard.

The Sao Pedro was luckily pushed onto the shore, and most of the crew survived. It was a miracle that they could make it under such a threatening condition. Unfortunately, the Esmeralda fared worse and sank (along with the crew) in the deeper waters.

A team of Omani and British divers, part of the Blue Water Recoveries group and the government of Oman, originally discovered it. Most of these objects have been damaged, but others were remarkably well-kept, considering they’ve been lying on the seabed for over five centuries.

Specialized divers did an excruciating search for objects of historical value; it was no easy task, but the team managed to gather a lot. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the history of maritime trade and navigation during the early Age of Discovery.

These objects are an essential resource to teach about the tumultuous yet fascinating times in the early 16th century when real-life pirates and their great ships roamed the earth. 

After cleaning it carefully, they put the bell through an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. This is standard procedure, especially for old objects that can’t be touched too much. Scientists could determine the inscription and read that it was made in 1498. This makes it over 525 years old!

He told the media about his discovery through The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and described it as “a thing you read about in a Hollywood story.” So, we can only imagine his excitement when he confirmed it was the actual shipwreck he had read about in history books.

The coins were made from pure gold or silver, and the denominations varied depending on their weight. They were the main currency and an essential element for the Portuguese economy during the many travels and commercial deals with other countries. As an empire, they had to assert their dominance through currency. 

Although the shipwreck has been investigated thoroughly, the exact purpose of the disc remains unclear. It is thought that it may have been used for navigational purposes, but this has not been confirmed. Regardless of its function, the disc is a valuable artifact for historians.

Vasco Da Gama’s fleet was known for being ruthless, and they made a lot of enemies throughout their travels. However, the man was determined to escalate in status. He eventually did so when he was named Viceroy of Portuguese India, although his position lasted only a short time and was riddled with conflict.

This archaeological site, in particular, has helped fill gaps in our historical knowledge by providing new information not previously available through written records or other sources. For example, the hundreds of artifacts found have provided new insights into the fate of the Esmeralda and its purpose on the sea. It also raises a lot of crucial questions.

This type of coin was minted in 1499 and commissioned by King Dom Manuel for trade with India. This coin, in particular, accompanied the fleet to Da Gama’s second voyage until its demise. Mearns, the archaeologist in charge of the site, said that finding this coin was a “remarkable discovery.”

Europeans were able to try new spices, like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. They wore new silks and admired unique precious stones and porcelain. In contrast, India had to adapt to the newcomers and their new trade agreements.

Archaeological sites and museums can help preserve our past by providing a physical record of olden times and raising awareness about how we used to do things. Reflecting on the past can help us make better decisions for our future.