Birgitta Hoffmann
An introduction to the very varied world of Modern Underwater archaeology.
When, in the 1950s, the first aqualungs became available, it led to the discovery of a world of underwater sites that few people up to then had thought they would be able to study. In the 75 years since then, the field has grown through new equipment and techniques, allowing us to tell the story of how humans interacted with water (and how water impacted their lives) for over 10000 years. This course is going to look at the different sites and the stories and facts we have been able to glean from them, from the Doggerbank, to the Treasure ships and catastrophic inundations, to understanding trade through the centuries.
Please note all lectures will be recorded and distributed to the participants the following week. This should allow participants from different time zones, or those working to catch up with the lectures.
Thursdays: 19.00-21.00 BST/GMT
Part One: Lots of Ships….
1 October: What is underwater archaeology? Why salvage is not underwater archaeology – and why it sometimes looks like it….
8 October: Starting small – Watery finds – From the Battersea Shield to Pudding Pan Rock
22 October: Early underwater archaeology: Nehalennia and LaTène
29 October: Tidal Archaeology: the long way to Woodhenge
5 November: Jacques Cousteau and the coming of the aqualung/SCUBA systems (from the Sestius Wreck to Grand Congloué , the wrecks in the Carribean and the harbour of Dia)
12 November: Honor Frost and the wrecks of Cape Gelidonya and Ulu Burun
19th November: The Underwater Research Centre in Marseille and the Wrecks in the South of France
to come: Mahdia, Marsala Punic Wreck, The Mary Rose and The Wasa, The Bremen Cog, Blackfriars Boat, Nanjing I and many more
Part Two (January to Easter): Underwater archaeology grows up and goes deep. The coming of the ROVs and SONAR
Part Three: (April to June): Thinking big – exploring Underwater landscapes – from the Doggerbank to the Battlefields and Sunken cities
10 weeks starting 1 Oct – 10 December 2026, with half-term week 15 October 2026
Virtual Learning Environment: Zoom
Single lecture:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £12 | 8 | 50 |
Bookings for the whole course:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £120 | 8 | 50 |
To book, please use the attached order form, request a Paypal invoice or the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998223071999?aff=oddtdtcreator
Alternatively You can book via the MANCENT booking form and pay with cheque or contact Birgitta Hoffmann for the BACS details or a PayPal invoice
Contact:
Birgitta Hoffmann
55 Broadwalk, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5PL
email: latinteacher@btinternet.com mobile: 07377 791562