One kind of archaeology studied today in maritime archaeology. Maritime archaeology is the study of ships and also the underwater study of shipwrecks. Sites such as these are like time capsules that have remained undisturbed from scavengers for years; and as water protects ships from erosion many shipwrecks are often found in a remarkable state of preservation.
Burial sites on land usually contain the remains of the elderly and the sick but the men who died at sea were pretty young and fit. Examining their remains enables archaeologists an exceptional insight into the life and well being of the generations before us. A good example of this is the remains recovered of seamen from the 17th century. Archaeologists found the men’s legs to be bowed by rickets whilst their backs and arms were incredibly muscular due to the hard work and climbing they did whilst onboard.
Most people know the story of the Titanic, undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, which sank on her maiden voyage on April 14, 1912. The wreck was found in 1985 and since then many artefacts have been salvaged and conserved and are now on display in museums. It is now possible for tourists to visit the wreck on organised underwater tours.
Another famous wreck was the Mary Rose, which was discovered in 1979. The Mary Rose was Henry VIII’s warship and sank off the South coast of England in 1545. When the Mary Rose was discovered, archaeologists recovered many artefacts including human remains, cooking utensils, weapons and personal belongings. In 1982 she was pulled from the water and work began to preserve the ship; this work is still ongoing.
Burial sites on land usually contain the remains of the elderly and the sick but the men who died at sea were pretty young and fit. Examining their remains enables archaeologists an exceptional insight into the life and well being of the generations before us. A good example of this is the remains recovered of seamen from the 17th century. Archaeologists found the men’s legs to be bowed by rickets whilst their backs and arms were incredibly muscular due to the hard work and climbing they did whilst onboard.
Most people know the story of the Titanic, undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, which sank on her maiden voyage on April 14, 1912. The wreck was found in 1985 and since then many artefacts have been salvaged and conserved and are now on display in museums. It is now possible for tourists to visit the wreck on organised underwater tours.
Another famous wreck was the Mary Rose, which was discovered in 1979. The Mary Rose was Henry VIII’s warship and sank off the South coast of England in 1545. When the Mary Rose was discovered, archaeologists recovered many artefacts including human remains, cooking utensils, weapons and personal belongings. In 1982 she was pulled from the water and work began to preserve the ship; this work is still ongoing.