German sandstone in Batavia wreck reveals sophisticated 17th-century global supply chain

Forensic examination of sandstone fragments from the Batavia shipwreck, led by Curtin University researcher Anthony Clarke, traced the stones to a variety of German quarries that have been mined since Roman times. The blocks were probably intended for prefabricated construction at the Dutch East India Company's main base in Jakarta, showing that the company assembled materials from diverse European sources before shipment.

This finding uncovers a previously unknown, highly organized supply chain operating nearly four centuries ago, challenging assumptions about early modern trade. Clarke's year-long study used microscopic grain analysis and chemical fingerprinting, supported by partnerships with the Western Australian Museum and the Geological Survey of Germany. He intends to apply the same techniques to other Western Australian wrecks to further illuminate hidden trade routes.