CMA – Archaeological Resources

Archaeology at Southampton , was rated grade 5 in the recent 'Research Assessment Exercise'. It is one of the largest Departments in the country, has a highly developed research profile and has world renowned expertise in several fields relevant to the maritime environment:

Maritime archaeology courses

The CMA provides the vehicle for field training of the disciplines students and incorporates a Special Branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Aspects of maritime archaeology are offered in every year of the undergraduate syllabus and students can become involved in several maritime field projects. The Department runs a highly successful MA/MSc in Maritime Archaeology providing professional training as well as the basis for an increasing number who proceed to doctoral research.

Archaeological Computing

An area also taught at masters level and in which Southampton is leading the field in several research programmes, particularly in the use of electronic publishing, three-dimensional recording and reconstruction, multi-media and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - the latter an essential tool in the building of sites and monuments records and facilitating heritage management.

Survey and recording

The Department of Archaeology can claim advanced expertise in all forms of survey and recording, providing a fully integrated, state-of-the-art capability comprising:

Hydrographic Survey
The High Resolution Marine Seismology Group is a collaborative research initiative between the Departments of Archaeology, Oceanography and Geology. The HRMSG also carries out contract work.

Field survey
The Department uses the most up to date methods of topographic survey in the coastal and intertidal zones, overlapping with the technology employed by the HRMSG. Topographic surveys are processed and imaged using the latest computer techniques.

Geophysical survey
The Department's Geophysics Unit run by Kristian Strutt, currently undertakes extensive contract work as well as teaching and research. Several recent surveys have been carried out on coastal and intertidal sites. Dr Justin Dix specialises in Marine Geophysics, with active research in the new field of 3D geo-acoustics.

Underwater recording
The Department of Archaeology has extensive experience in the recording of underwater areas and structures. Data processing, reconstruction and modelling makes use of the latest computer software including AutoCAD, 3D Studio, AVS (high performance 3D graphics, IRAS. C (a photomosaic and photogrammetric package) and Wolfson Unit software (for hydrostatic analysis).

Ceramic and lithic analysis

Vast quantities of ceramics and stone were transported by sea, often providing key dating information on the wrecks in which they are found. Particular expertise in later prehistoric, Roman and medieval ceramics, as well as analytical techniques pioneered by Professor David Peacock (Established Chair) have made Southampton the centre for the sourcing and interpretation of ceramic and stone finds. There are currently two research projects on lithic and ceramic material from maritime contexts. Professor Peacock, Dr David Williams and Professor Simon Keay work with amphorae from both terrestrial and submerged contexts.

Heritage Management

The Department has focused on issues of heritage management and protection in the courses it teaches at undergraduate and masters level, as well as research and contract work. Several recent publications on the management of the coastal heritage were authored, co-authored, edited or co-edited by staff.