FEATURE - UNDERWATER ARCHEOLOGY
While the working environment for an underwater archeologist tends to be wetter than that of a regular archeologist, the goal is the same: a better understanding of a society’s culture and history through the scientific study of its past.
The field of underwater archeology takes a multi-disciplinary approach, employing everything from geography, tidal patterns and chemistry to naval history.
The majority of underwater archeology focuses on the study of nautical vessels: how they worked, what they were used for and where they traveled. Both prehistoric and historic ships are studied, most of which are the result of shipwrecks. And yet, old ships are only part of what an underwater archaeologist studies.
Submerged along the coastlines and rivers around the world are clues to how people lived. Underwater villages, old ports and barrages yield many secrets from the past. And on land, the underwater archaeologist’s skills are used when moist environments (or those that may have held nautical equipment) such as bogs or grave sites are unearthed.
Underwater archeology is a recent discipline, thanks to development and popularization of scuba equipment by Jacques Cousteau and the lesser-known Emile Gagnan.
However, as far back as the 15th century, people have made recorded attempts to salvage underwater treasure. The ancient Lake Nemi barges were built by Caligula as pleasure barges. In 1446, Cardinal Colonna and an architect named Alberti attempted to find these barges in Roman lake, using as a guide information that had been passed down through generations in oral tradition. They located the barges 10 fathoms down, but were unable to venture that deep. After a number of attempts over the ensuing centuries, what remained of the barges was finally retrieved in 1929-32.
How can objects that have been buried for so many years under water still be in good condition? The cold, dark, anaerobic conditions that exist under water and sediment are a natural preservative. Organic artifacts such as wood and leather may be in startlingly good condition considering their age. Cold waters with low salinity, such as the Baltic Sea and the Great Lakes are a boon to maritime exploration—as these places provide the ultimate conditions for the preservation of antiquities.
Beyond scuba equipment, the discipline benefits from the use of other modern equipment such as acoustic and magnetic remote-sensing equipment and optical and robotic methods for discovering locations and artifacts.
While the challenges of working in cold, ever-shifting environments are great, the rewards of discovery and of preserving the past are compelling and continually fascinating.
More Leads
Advisory Council on Underwater Archeology
Good overview on underwater archeology.
Cyberpursuits
Offers a vast list of interesting and wide-ranging underwater archeology websites.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology
Tour this site in Turkey from the comfort of your own home.
The Nordic Underwater Archeology
This site offers a northern European perspective and a great selection of links to other useful sites.
South Carolina Institute of Anthropology and Archeology Learn more about the only state where you can get a hobby diving licence to dive for artifacts.
National Institute of Oceanography
Professional body for underwater archeologists.
Image Credit
Fly wheel of a steam engine ship wreck in Lakshadweep waters possibly during First World War. Courtesy of: NIO Image Library, Bandodkar, S.N.
