Author(s)

R. Parthesius

Abstract

The Avondster project: an integrated maritime heritage research project around the historic port city Galle in Sri Lanka R. Parthesius Amsterdam Historical Museum, The Netherlands University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands Abstract The Dutch East Indianan Avondster sank on July 2, 1659 in the bay of Galle, which was the most important maritime centre in Sri Lanka until the nineteenth century. Avondster had been anchored near the Black Fort before slipping its anchor, and running aground northeast of the anchorage in the bay. A ship of 250 tons sailing primarily in Asian waters, Avondster was in the service of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) at the time of sinking, but had formerly belonged to the English East India Company. It was captured by the Dutch in Persian waters during the first Anglo-Dutch War in 1653. Begun in November 2001, the excavation of the shipwreck is scheduled to continue until 2004. The Avondster Project focuses not only on the archaeological excavation and conservation of

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