A lecture by Associate Professor Solehah Yaacob from the International Islamic University Malaysia has sparked significant debate online after she asserted that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers. The presentation, titled “Rome Learned to Build Ships From Malays,” garnered mixed reactions, from pride in indigenous maritime skills to skepticism about its historical accuracy.
Solehah’s claims challenge established narratives around ancient maritime technology, suggesting a notable Malay influence on Roman naval practices. Supporters emphasize the impressive historical navigational skills of the Malay people, who were known to have sailed vast distances, but critics argue that the fundamental differences in ship construction methods between Roman and Malay vessels undermine her assertions. Roman ships employed a rigid plank-on-frame design, while Malay vessels utilized flexible lashed-lug or sewn-plank techniques adapted for tropical waters. Critics argue that while Malay maritime history deserves recognition, attributing Roman shipbuilding methods to them stretches the limits of credible historical analysis.
The social media reaction has been overwhelmingly polarizing. Some commenters responded with sarcastic remarks about the implications of such claims, while others expressed concern about the academic rigor of such assertions in an educational setting. Calls for evidence and references to support her claims arose, with skeptics questioning her authority to make such declarations as she prepares for a full Professorship.
In her lecture, Solehah highlighted the advanced maritime skills of the Malay civilization, discussing their historical interconnections with global civilizations and contributions to maritime technology. She examined historical artefacts and correspondence between ancient civilizations, aiming to position Southeast Asia as a significant hub of innovation and trade alongside more traditionally recognized cradles of civilization like Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
While her presentation seeks to elevate Malay maritime heritage, the reaction underscores broader issues regarding the integrity of academic discourse. As the discussion continues, it brings to light the importance of careful historical interpretation and the need for substantiated claims in academia. The Ministry of Education in Malaysia has yet to respond to the controversy surrounding the lecture.
This discourse is particularly relevant given a recent discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck off Melaka, which has reignited interest in the maritime history of the Malay archipelago. However, the ongoing debate reflects a tension between national pride in historical achievements and the criteria of scholarly accuracy that underpin historical inquiry.
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