ARCH2216 Seafaring in the Ancient World

In this topic students gain a general knowledge of the history of seafaring in the ancient world spanning several thousand years. Students learn approaches to the analysis of artefacts from maritime archaeology sites and interpret past human behaviour associated with the sites. These skills are taught through critical analysis of case studies in lectures and group discussions. Students will understand and appreciate the contributions of maritime archaeology on the current standing of this particular aspect of history, the main areas of research, some key sites, and the fundamental analytical techniques of the discipline. Students apply the techniques learned in this topic to their practical units

This topic aims to:

• Introduce student to artefacts found in maritime archaeology, and ways in which archaeologists analyse them
• Examine how the study of maritime archaeology can be used as a tool for the study of human behaviour and the ways in which seafaring was undertaken in the ancient world
• Introduce the practice of maritime archaeology at different locations

1. Describe the contributions of maritime archaeology to a range of research areas
2. Discuss the fundamental analytical techniques of maritime archaeology
3. Demonstrate literary and analytical research skills by organising the results of independent research
4. Communicate archaeological concepts both verbally and in writing