The Batavia, a Dutch mirror-return ship, was built between 1627 and 1628 at the Pepper yard in Amsterdam. The ship was an engineering marvel of its time, designed for the long and dangerous voyages of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC). With her colorful carvings, three imposing masts and a robust hull, the Batavia was both a means of transportation and a symbol of power. The ship could accommodate more than 300 people on board and was loaded with precious trade goods, including silver, gold, jewelry, luxury goods and heavy sandstone blocks intended for the construction of a gate in Batavia (present-day Jakarta). <\/p>\n\n
Life aboard the Batavia was tough and cramped. On the cow deck was the crew, packed tightly among the ship’s cargo. It was dark, damp and there was a pungent smell of tar, wood and human sweat. Soldiers slept on the planking, while passengers often had their own cabin, depending on their status. The captain and chief merchant enjoyed more luxury in the captain’s cabin, complete with a private toilet – an unprecedented luxury at the time. <\/p>\n\n
Food and drink consisted mainly of ship’s rusks, salted meat and water that spoiled quickly. Scurvy and other diseases were ubiquitous. For most sailors, every day was a struggle to stay healthy and safe. <\/p>\n\n
On Oct. 29, 1628, the Batavia departed from Texel with Batavia as its destination. The voyage initially went well. However, after a stop at the Cape of Good Hope, disaster struck. Tensions between skipper Adriaen Jakobsz and chief merchant Fran\u00e7ois Pelsaert escalated. Jakobsz, along with the under-merchant Jeronimus Cornelisz, hatched plans for a mutiny. <\/p>\n\n
On June 4, 1629, the Batavia ran aground on Morning Reef off the west coast of Australia. The ship was badly damaged and 40 people on board drowned. The rest managed to make their way to nearby islets. Here a new drama began: Cornelisz seized power and waged a reign of terror, horribly killing more than 120 people. <\/p>\n\n
Pelsaert managed to fetch help from Batavia with a sloop, a trip of 33 days. Upon his return, thanks to the resistance of Private Wiebbe Hayes, he managed to overpower the mutineers. Cornelisz and his accomplices were tried and executed on the spot. Much of the precious cargo of the Batavia could be saved, including silver, jewels and the famous “Rubens vase.” <\/p>\n\n
The Batavia was a typical mirror-return ship, designed to carry large quantities of cargo and passengers. Her sturdy hull and strong rigging made her suitable for the harsh conditions at sea. The ship represented not only trade, but also power and prestige of the VOC. <\/p>\n\n
In 1963, the wreck of the Batavia was discovered off the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Australia. Artifacts such as cannons, coins and parts of the ship were recovered and are on display at museums in Fremantle and Geraldton. The story of the Batavia continues to fascinate historians and maritime archaeologists. <\/p>\n\n
Step aboard the impressive reconstruction of the Batavia at Museum Batavialand and experience for yourself what life on board must have been like. Want to know how this ship was rebuilt with craftsmanship? <\/p>\n\n