Nautical Archaeology

The birth of Underwater Archaeology, 1960-1962, shows the pioneers of nautical archaeology as they develop methods of excavating ancient shipwrecks on the seabed. Among them are George Bass, Claude Duthuit, Frederick van Doorninck, Susan Womer Katzev, Ann Bass, and David Owen, who later founded the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) which now excavates around the world. Learn more about INA's research in George Bass's book Beneath the Seven Seas.

Maritime archaeology is a discipline that studies human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of vessels, shore side facilities, cargoes and human remains. One speciality is underwater archaeology , which studies the past through any submerged remains. An other specialty within maritime archaeology is nautical archaeology, which studies vessel construction and use.