Archaeology and the Social History of Ships

A review of underwater archaeology offering a clear exposition of new developments in undersea technologies.

Richard A. Gould (Author)

9780521125628, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 April 2011

406 pages, 79 b/w illus. 3 tables
22.9 x 15.5 x 1.9 cm, 0.55 kg

'Overall, this is a well researched and written book that makes a significant contribution to both underwater archaeology and maritime history … Archaeologists, historians and anyone with an interest in the maritime world will find this book appealing, worthwhile and a valuable addition to their personal libraries.' The Northern Mariner

Maritime archaeology deals with shipwrecks and is carried out by divers rather than diggers. It embraces maritime history and analyses changes in shipbuilding, navigation and seamanship and offers fresh perspectives on the cultures and societies that produced the ships and sailors. Drawing on detailed past and recent case studies, Richard A. Gould provides an up-to-date review of the field that includes dramatic new findings arising from improved undersea technologies. This second edition of Archaeology and the Social History of Ships has been updated throughout to reflect new findings and new interpretations of old sites. The new edition explores advances in undersea technology in archaeology, especially remotely operated vehicles. The book reviews many of the major recent shipwreck findings, including the Vasa in Stockholm, the Viking wrecks at Roskilde Fjord and the Titanic.

Introduction: toward a higher standard
1. Interpreting the underwater archaeological record
2. Underwater archaeology: the state of the art
3. Ships and shipwrecks: basic mechanics
4. The archaeology of small watercraft
5. The earliest ships
6. Shipwrecks and our understanding of ancient trade
7. Sailing ships of the Middle Ages
8. Ships of the great age of sail
9. From sail to steam in maritime commerce
10. New technologies and naval warfare
11. The archaeology of maritime infrastructure
12. The future of shipwreck archaeology.

Subject Areas: Underwater archaeology [HDR]