30.04.2023
5 Dakika
Beneath the waves there is a mysterious world waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to peer into the depths. Underwater archaeology works with history, science and adventure to uncover the secrets of our past beneath the seas and oceans. From sunken ships to lost cities, ancient artifacts to forgotten treasures, underwater archaeologists continue to discover many values. However, these discoveries also bring different responsibilities for archaeologists and other team members: preservation and restoration of artifacts.
It is a great responsibility to preserve valuable artifacts and finds from the dusty pages of history for future generations. Knowing what underwater archaeologists and other team members consider in discovery, conservation and restoration can help us better understand this responsibility. So let us get started!
Underwater discovery differs from archaeology on land in terms of techniques and challenges. To overcome these difficulties, different methods are used in the discovery and planning phases. In underwater archeology, we can speak of three steps in the discovery phase.
Before embarking on an underwater archaeological excavation, researchers conduct extensive surveys and planning to identify potential sites and determine an excavation location. For example, to determine the likelihood that an archaeological site will be found, historical documents, maps or various sources from the period must be examined. Based on this survey, an estimate can be made about the area where the excavation can be carried out and its surroundings.
Once the general survey has been completed and an estimated area established, a field survey is required to verify the accuracy of these estimates and to establish the excavation site. Underwater archaeologists conduct field surveys using a variety of remote sensing techniques to locate potential archaeological sites, including sonar, magnetometers and radar. Thanks to these tools, the presence of artifacts or structures that may be hidden beneath the seafloor is detected, and excavation work is initiated in the identified area.
After an area has been determined by various methods and a field survey, preparations for excavation begin. Excavation must be done carefully to preserve the original condition of all excavated artifacts and sites. To ensure this care, various specialized equipment such as dredging equipment is required. In addition, special diving equipment and techniques are very important during excavations. The location and context of artifacts found during excavation must also be documented before they are removed from the site. For this reason, underwater archaeologists use various techniques to create documents (mapping of the area, photography, video recordings, drawings) for underwater excavations.
In both land and underwater archaeology, once you reach the artifact or site, the work is not over. It is also the responsibility of the archaeologists and other team members to protect the artifact you excavated or the area you discovered and to pass it on to future generations in as authentic a form as possible. For this reason, a careful procedure is followed to protect the excavated artifacts.
In underwater archaeology, conservation is even more important. Although water depth can protect artifacts from looting, the unique environment of the underwater world presents some difficulties in preserving submerged cultural heritage. Factors such as water pressure, temperature and salinity can alter the structure of artifacts over time, and artifacts can be damaged during excavation. Considering this situation, underwater archaeologists should carefully examine and evaluate the condition of any artifact or structure before beginning to excavate the artifact. In addition, special materials and techniques should be used to protect and stabilize artifacts after removal. The cleaned, dried and stabilized artifacts are transported to the laboratories where they are restored with the same care.
After artifacts arrive at various institutions and laboratories, they are restored to preserve them in the best possible way. However, this is not the only purpose of restoration. Thanks to the restoration process, it is possible to learn more about the past and share this knowledge with the world. Finally, the restored works are made available to the public and to science and can be interpreted. Underwater archaeologists work with restorators, museum specialists and historians to restore and interpret artifacts and structures from the underwater world and develop strategies for their recovery.
Thus, underwater archaeology enables the discovery, conservation and restoration of underwater cultural heritage and brings us together with these unique assets. Using specialized equipment and techniques, underwater archaeologists can trace the past, preserve artifacts and structures, and share this knowledge with the world. To learn more about the process of discovery, conservation and restoration, you can watch our video "Uncovering the Underwater Archaeology: Discover" on the YouTube channel of the Turkish Museums.
