17th Century Shipwreck Reveals Sophisticated Trade Practices of Dutch East India Company
The shipwreck of the Batavia, a flagship of the Dutch East India Company that sank in 1629, is shedding new light on the trade practices of the era. Recent studies have revealed that the ship was carrying large sandstone blocks sourced from multiple quarries in Germany, highlighting a complex supply chain. These findings illustrate the logistical sophistication of the Dutch East India Company, which consolidated and transported building materials across vast distances to support colonial infrastructure. The Batavia's cargo, intended for construction in Batavia (now Jakarta), underscores the global reach and coordination of trade networks during the early stages of global capitalism. 
