Archaeology and the Social History of Ships
Archaeology and the Social History of Ships
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.
- This thoroughly revised new edition is the most up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of underwater archaeology currently available
- Examines the impact of new undersea technologies
- Destructive effects of treasure hunting are documented through accessible case studies
Reviews & endorsements
'In his informative and fact-filled book, Gould covers much ground - and water - from the beginnings of ship construction and waterborne trade in ancient times to the peculiarities of areas where ships are likely to founder.' Norman N. Brown, Associated Press
'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
Product details
June 2011Paperback
9780521125628
406 pages
229 × 155 × 19 mm
0.55kg
79 b/w illus. 3 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 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.
