⚓Archaeology of the Age of Exploration Unit 3 – Underwater Archaeology: Exploring Shipwrecks

What's This Unit All About?

• Explores the field of underwater archaeology with a focus on shipwreck exploration and discovery
• Examines the historical context, methods, tools, and technologies used to locate, investigate, and preserve submerged cultural heritage
• Highlights famous shipwreck discoveries that have contributed to our understanding of maritime history and the Age of Exploration
• Discusses the challenges and ethical considerations involved in underwater archaeological research and excavation
• Connects the study of shipwrecks to the broader themes of the Age of Exploration, including global trade, colonization, and cultural exchange

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Underwater archaeology: The study of human history and prehistory through the investigation of submerged sites and artifacts
• Shipwreck: The remains of a vessel that has sunk, wrecked, or been abandoned in a body of water
• Maritime archaeology: A sub-discipline of archaeology that focuses on the study of human interaction with the sea, lakes, and rivers through the investigation of associated physical remains
• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV): An unoccupied, highly maneuverable underwater robot operated by a crew aboard a surface vessel
• Magnetometer: A device used to detect and measure magnetic anomalies, often employed to locate shipwrecks and other submerged artifacts
• Excavation: The systematic removal and recording of archaeological remains and their context
• Conservation: The process of preserving and stabilizing artifacts recovered from underwater sites to prevent further deterioration
• Provenience: The three-dimensional location of an artifact or feature within an archaeological site, including its horizontal and vertical position and its relationship to other objects and strata

Historical Context of Underwater Archaeology

• The field of underwater archaeology emerged in the mid-20th century, driven by advancements in diving technology and a growing interest in maritime history
• Early underwater archaeological projects focused on the excavation of ancient shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea (Antikythera wreck, Cape Gelidonya wreck)
• The development of scuba diving equipment in the 1940s and 1950s made shipwreck exploration more accessible to archaeologists and recreational divers
• The advent of remote sensing technologies, such as side-scan sonar and magnetometers, revolutionized the search for and identification of submerged sites
• The UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001) established international guidelines for the preservation and management of submerged cultural resources
• Underwater archaeology has played a crucial role in understanding the Age of Exploration by providing insights into early modern shipbuilding, navigation, trade, and cultural exchange

Methods and Techniques for Shipwreck Exploration

• Historical research and archival investigation to gather information about potential shipwreck sites and their historical context
• Remote sensing techniques, such as side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and magnetometry, to locate and map submerged sites
• Diver surveys and visual inspections to assess the condition and extent of shipwreck remains and associated artifacts
• Excavation and recording of shipwreck sites using traditional archaeological methods adapted for underwater contexts
  • Establishing a grid system to document the spatial distribution of artifacts and features
  • Using dredges, airlifts, and water jets to carefully remove sediment and expose buried remains
  • Employing photogrammetry and 3D modeling to create detailed digital reconstructions of shipwreck sites
• Conservation and analysis of recovered artifacts to gain insights into the ship's construction, cargo, and crew
• Interpretation and dissemination of research findings through academic publications, public outreach, and museum exhibitions

Tools and Technology in Underwater Archaeology

• Scuba diving equipment, including dive computers, underwater communication systems, and rebreathers, enables archaeologists to access and work on submerged sites
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) allow for the exploration and documentation of deep-water shipwrecks beyond the reach of human divers
• High-resolution cameras and video systems capture detailed images and footage of underwater sites for analysis and public dissemination
• Dredging systems, airlifts, and water jets are used to remove sediment and expose buried shipwreck remains
• Underwater metal detectors and magnetometers locate and map ferrous objects, such as anchors, cannons, and other ship fittings
• Underwater tablets and other ruggedized electronic devices enable real-time data collection and recording during underwater fieldwork
• Conservation laboratories equipped with specialized tools and chemicals are essential for the stabilization and preservation of artifacts recovered from underwater sites

Case Studies: Famous Shipwreck Discoveries

• The Antikythera wreck (Greece, c. 60 BCE): An ancient Greek shipwreck that yielded the Antikythera mechanism, an early analog computer used for astronomical calculations
• The Mary Rose (England, 1545): A Tudor-era warship that capsized and sank in the Solent, providing invaluable insights into 16th-century naval warfare and shipbuilding
• The Vasa (Sweden, 1628): A 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was raised in 1961, now housed in the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
• The Titanic (North Atlantic, 1912): The wreck of the infamous luxury liner, discovered in 1985, has been extensively studied and documented using cutting-edge underwater technologies
• The Spanish Armada wrecks (Ireland, 1588): The remains of several ships from the ill-fated Spanish Armada, wrecked off the coast of Ireland, have provided valuable information about 16th-century maritime technology and warfare

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

• Physical challenges of working in underwater environments, including limited visibility, cold temperatures, and high pressure at depth
• Logistical challenges of conducting research in remote locations and transporting equipment and personnel to and from the site
• Financial challenges of funding costly underwater archaeological projects, which often require specialized technology and trained personnel
• Legal and jurisdictional issues related to the ownership and management of underwater cultural heritage, particularly in international waters
• Ethical considerations surrounding the disturbance and excavation of shipwreck sites, which may be considered sacred or culturally sensitive
• Balancing the need for scientific research with the responsibility to preserve and protect underwater cultural heritage for future generations
• Addressing the potential for looting and unauthorized salvage of shipwreck sites, which can result in the loss of valuable historical and archaeological information

Connecting the Dots: Shipwrecks and the Age of Exploration

• Shipwrecks provide tangible evidence of the ships, cargoes, and navigational technologies used during the Age of Exploration
• The study of shipwrecks from this period offers insights into the organization and operation of early modern maritime trade networks (Spanish treasure fleets, East India Company)
• Underwater archaeological research has revealed the impact of European exploration and colonization on indigenous populations and their material culture
• Shipwreck excavations have yielded artifacts that demonstrate the global exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies during the Age of Exploration (Chinese porcelain, American silver)
• The investigation of slave ship wrecks, such as the Henrietta Marie (1700) and the São José Paquete Africa (1794), sheds light on the transatlantic slave trade and its human toll
• The discovery and analysis of shipwrecks from the Age of Exploration contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this transformative period in world history