Aboard the Amsterdam

Chrissiebeez_NL

Aboard the VOC ship 'The Amsterdam'

In Amsterdam, located at the oosterdok lies a replica of the East India Company ship 'The Amsterdam'. Trying to capture the glory of Hollands 'golden century' it depicts life aboard a East India trading ship. The original was build in 1748, well after the hightimes of the 17th century. At its peak in 1669 the VOC was the richest private company the world had ever seen, with over 150 merchant ships, 40 warships, 50,000 employees, a private army of 10,000 soldiers, and a dividend payment of 40%. The riches gained in that era can still be seen in many Dutch cities, especially Amsterdam.


The Amsterdam, docked just outside the center of Amsterdam.


the intriguate maze of ropes and wires called for a crew that was agile and not afraid of heights.

With a crew of over 200 and 125 soldiers, it was a tight fit on board the Amsterdam and conditions would have looked something like the drawing presented above. The commanding staff had somewhat more privacy and their own sleeping quarters.


Bed of one of the commanding staff; space was valuable on board.

the rest of the crew would have to sleep between the cannons and in the ships cargo area. To feed the crew, large quantities of products like salted meats, live stock, cheese and water had to be carried to support the 8 months trip to Asia.


Cheese was good on trips because it lasted long, although the lack of vitamins made the crew of many trading ship sick on long Journeys.


Cannons were an essential part of the ships protection.

The ships cannons were called upon to fend off enemy attacks or to gently pursuade 'competition' to hand over their cargo/ship. If things got up close and personal or they had to go on land, the muskets were used.


Muskets were a fine tool for defending and trading.

Trading with Asia brought luxury asian products to the dutch republic and had to be paid for by gold or silver. These money transfers were a favorite target for all parties and the dutch admiral Piet Hein once captured a spanish treasurefleet and took off with 11,509,524 guilders from 16 ships; enough to last the Dutch army for 8 months.


Chinese pottery, spices and slaves were among the many things traded by the VOC.


Unknown cargo with an unknown destination.

And altough the riches brought here by the VOC many centuries ago are still very much visible in the urban landscapes, time has not been kind to all of these examples.


Time takes its toll on relics of ancient times.

Thanks for watching, C&C always appreaciated.

more photos of 'the amsterdam' can be found here.

Patweb

He Chris,
Nice pictures man !
You give everybody here a complete tour of Rotterdam and holland.
Gladly there is a lot more to make pictures of here in Holland.
So leave something for me
See ya !
Gr.,
Patrick

Chrissiebeez_NL

Hi Patrick!

thanks for looking and the compliment!

nice to see you've joined Dgrin! I'm sure you'll have a great time here, be sure to 'Delurk' yourself by introducing yourself in the thread or by posting a photo

Looking forward to your photos!