Hong Kong Maritime Crossroads a fortune made with world trade
From the Neolithic Age to modern times, success is owed to Hong Kong Maritime Crossroads
Hong Kong Maritime Crossroads
Hong Kong Maritime Crossroads
The story of Hong Kong Maritime Crossroads starts in ancient times. While international trade as it is known today did not occur in the Neolithic era, you might be surprised to discover that western-eastern trade was well established. Guangzhou was a significant area for economic exchanges between northern China and western and southeastern Asia. Even goods from India, Rome and Egypt reached and were traded in Guangzhou.
During the “Age of Discovery”, a period dating between the fifteenth and eighteenth century, western powers were eager to conquer eastern territories. At this point, Hong Kong was a city actively engaged in maritime trade.
Legitimate business was not the only business occurring on the high seas. Smuggling was a thriving industry. Shipwrecks with the remains of blue-and-white porcelain, Matabaan jars, and pottery pieces from Siam (now Thailand) indicate Hong Kong’s usage as a smuggler’s site, along with more legitimate operations for food and water supplies and ballast disposal.
By the time of the First Opium War, the British had begun to see the value in a once overlooked city.
Until 12 August 2021, you can see this exhibit at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
