Meriarkeologia

Meriarkeologia, known in English as maritime archaeology, is the study of human interaction with the sea through material remains recovered from submerged sites. The field investigates shipwrecks, harbor structures, submerged settlements, and ancient landscapes altered by tides and water. It is a multidisciplinary practice drawing on archaeology, history, anthropology, geology, and oceanography, often with a focus on cultural heritage and preservation.

Researchers document underwater contexts using surveying, mapping, and recording techniques. Methods include diver surveys, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), side-scan sonar, magnetometry, photogrammetry, and underwater excavation when appropriate. Finds are analyzed in laboratories for chronology, technology, trade networks, and daily life. Preservation and conservation of artifacts are key challenges; many items deteriorate rapidly when exposed to seawater.

Meriarkeologia has developed alongside international heritage law. The UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001) governs protection of submerged sites and encourages non-destructive study and responsible stewardship. Fieldwork is guided by legal permissions, ethics, and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Notable sites studied include the Mary Rose in the United Kingdom, the Uluburun and Antikythera shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, and numerous shipwrecks in the Baltic and North Sea. The discipline contributes to our understanding of nautical technology, trade, navigation, maritime economies, and cultural contact across eras.