Maritime Archaeology

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Make connections between those sequences and patterns and underlying historical/physical processes
• Synthesise data from a variety of sources and present it in oral as well as written form
• Describe basic sequences and site types appropriate to Maritime Archaeology

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• detailed knowledge of key sites
• site types, environmental factors, methodology and current research in this field
• Museum display of maritime material can work
• the archaeological potential of submerged landscapes, structures and other cultural material

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand ideas of pattern and process in the maritime sphere
• Be able to critique and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the different sorts of environments that Maritime Archaeologists work within
• Appreciate the importance of presenting the heritage to the public
• Observe and interpret archaeological feature relevant to Maritime Archaeology
• Understand the interaction between terrestrial and maritime archaeology.

The module begins by looking at the development of underwater research and the sites on which the most significant formative work was carried out. This brings us to current theoretical perspectives and to the way in which archaeological sites in the coastal zone are managed and protected (or not). The way underwater sites are managed and researched concerns methodology. A look at current marine geophysical methods of searching for sites and assessing the seabed will lead to considering how underwater sites are formed and the techniques used for their excavation and recording. This cannot be done without due consideration of the associated problems of recovering and conserving waterlogged material. In the light of these techniques, the archaeological potential of some of the major site types is considered, i.e. ships (wrecks, graves, abandonments), harbours and anchorages and settlements. The module concludes by looking at the current situation in deepwater archaeology where technology has dramatically increased access, and as a result the threat to the archaeological resource.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Classes
• Field trip*

*‘Participation on this trip/field visit is not a formal requirement of the module, though you are strongly encouraged to attend wherever possible.’

In cases of the latter kind, the Module Outline should include a note to the following effect:

Learning activities include

• Background reading
• Essay preparation

Innovative or special features of this module

This module brings together expertise in pre-historic and historical archaeology, as well as technology studies, geomorphology, geophysics and oceanography.

Resources & Reading list

Journal Articles

Blackman, D.J. (1982). Ancient Harbours in the Mediterranean. Part I & II. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 11(3), pp. 185-212.

Gibbins, D. & Adams, J. (2001). Shipwrecks and maritime archaeology. World Archaeology, 32(3), pp. 279-291.

Adams, J. (2002). Maritime Archaeology. Encyclopedia of Historical Archaeology, pp. 328-330.

Adams, J. (2001). Ships and boats as archaeological source material. World Archaeology, 33(2), pp. 292-310.

Blue, L. (2003). Maritime Ethnography: The Reality of Analogy. Boats, Ships and Shipyards, Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium of Boat and Ship Archaeology, Venice 2000, pp. 334-338.

Pulak, C. (1998). The Uluburun shipwreck: an overview. IJNA, 27, pp. 188-224.

Textbooks

McGrail, S. (2002). Boats of the World. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bass, G. F. (ed.) (2005). Beneath the Seven Seas. London: Thames and Hudson.

Muckelroy, K. (1978). Maritime Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Adams, J. (2003). Ships, Innovation and Social Change. Aspects of carvel Shipbuilding in Northern Europe 1450 – 1850. Stockholm: University of Stockholm.

Casson, L. (1994). Ships and Seafaring in ancient times. London: British Museum Press.

Delgado, J. P. 1997 (ed.) (1997). Encyclopaedia of Underwater and Maritime Archaeology. London: British Museum Press.

Johnson, M. (1999). Archaeological Theory. An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell.

Milne, G. (2003). The Port of Medieval London. Stroud: Tempus.

Rupe, C. V. & Barstad, J. F. (2002). International Handbook of Underwater Archaeology. New York: Plenum Press.

Hornell, J. (1946/1970). Water Transport. Origins and Early Evolution. Cambridge.

Babits L. (1998). Maritime Archaeology. A Reader of substantive and theoretical contributions. New York: Plenum.

Staniforth, M. & Hyde, M. (eds) (2001). Maritime Archaeology in Australia: A Reader. Blackwood: Southern Archaeology.

Milne, G. (1985). The Port of Roman London. London: Batsford.

McGrail, S., Blue, L., Kentley, E & Palmer, C. (eds.) (2003). Boats of South Asia. London: Routledge.

Greenhill, B. (1995). The Archaeology of Boats and Ships: An Introduction. London: Conway Maritime Press.

Dean, M., Ferrari, B., Oxley, I., Redknap, M., Watson, K. (eds) (1992). Archaeology Underwater, The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice. London: Nautical Archaeology Society.

Rule, M. (1983). The Mary Rose. London: Conway Maritime Press.

Gamble, C. (2001). Archaeology: The Basics. London: Routledge.

Hourani, G. F (1995). Arab Seafaring in the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Medieval Times. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Gould, R. (2000). Archaeology and the Social History of Ships. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External