Underwater archaeology

Underwater archaeology is the study of human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of associated physical remains - vessels, shore-side facilities, port-related structures, cargoes, human remains and submerged landscapes. It is a branch of archaeology that often employs similar methodologies to terrestrial archaeology but also incorporates specialist skills and equipment.

History

The history of underwater archaeology dates back to the early 20th century when hard-hat divers began to explore shipwrecks and other submerged sites. The development of scuba diving technology in the mid-20th century allowed archaeologists to conduct systematic studies of submerged cultural heritage.

Methodology

Underwater archaeology employs a range of methodologies, depending on the physical and cultural environment of the site. These can include remote sensing techniques such as side-scan sonar and magnetometry, underwater excavation techniques, and post-excavation analysis methods similar to those used in terrestrial archaeology.

Notable Sites and Finds

There have been many notable underwater archaeological sites and finds throughout history. These include the Titanic wreck site, the Mary Rose, the Antikythera mechanism, and the Uluburun Shipwreck.

Challenges

Underwater archaeology faces a number of challenges, including the physical difficulties of working underwater, the preservation issues associated with submerged materials, and the legal and ethical issues related to the ownership and treatment of underwater cultural heritage.

See Also

• Maritime archaeology
• Nautical archaeology
• Shipwrecks
• Submerged landscapes

References

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