Knowledge from Shipwrecks: Prof John Miksic’s Contributions

Michael Flecker

I had the honour of being Prof John Miksic’s first PhD student at the National University of Singapore. His succinct touch, particularly with respect to historical context, made the writing of my thesis, The Archaeological Excavation of the 10th Century Intan Wreck, a wonderful learning experience. Prior to that, Prof Miksic joined me on-site for the excavation of the 13th century Java Sea Wreck. With no diving experience, he had the courage to don surface-supplied diving equipment to experience firsthand the unique characteristics of a Song era wreck site along with its abundance of marine life. Having originally honed his archaeological skills in Indonesia, these two shipwrecks in Indonesia waters and of Indonesian origin provided Prof Miksic with additional maritime context to flesh out his writings on the Srivijaya and Majapahit Empires. While not directly involved, Prof Miksic shared his vast knowledge of the Temasek period, brought about through his many excavations in Singapore, when the 14th century Temasek Wreck was found and excavated in Singapore waters. Likewise, he shared his knowledge of early 19th century Singapore when the country ship, Shah Muncher, was discovered. While she wrecked in 1796, 23 years before Raffles re-established the entrepot port, the Shah Muncher is a valid representation of the first European-type ships to drop anchor in Singapore roads. Prof Miksic made a major contribution to the maritime sphere, as well as the terrestrial sphere that he is renowned for.