The Origins And Ethics Of Maritime Archaeology-Part 1: Analysis

In chapter two of Underwater Archaeology, Bowens ask two important questions that any archeologist should consider, what is archeology and what is no archeology? An archeology has roots set in uncovering legends but officially define as identification and interpretation of material objects that were left behind from pervious ways of life using while using formal technics that are commonly used in geology to uncover material. When it comes to water archeology or land archeology they are no difference thus why any archeologist should know their limitations. If the resources are not there then an archeologist should turn down the projects in order to avoid lost information that future generations could collect with more developed technology. Resources

Many archeology students are put off by this subfield due to the diving portion of the field but due to interest many follow through. This usually leads to divers being obsessed with their equipment and latter the article explains that the technology that is used is often from the military. As far as origins, maritime archeology had originally three distinct social cultural perspectives in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The first being traditional trained archeologist with military experience. The second social perspective museum-led ship archaeologist concerned with technological origins and development of watercraft, which also have military service. Finally those who had no formal background who brought with them the technical experience and also have military service. Flatman states these are clearly defined as baby boomers who desiered more gadgets. An example given is Robert Ballard who made his name with the discovery of the Titanic in 1963. Later on through the article it argues the maritime archeologist need to be proactive in asking the right questions when it comes to discovering underwater wreckage due to the potential of having to conflict with an ethical dilemma. Flatman argues that maritime archeologist need engaged themselves with national debates while also Undertaking social protest within in any expansion project. There is also an ethical issue when it comes to military involvement with a project although the roots for underwater archeology derived from military. As the conclusion for this article focuses on wheatear archeologist have the right to conduct fieldwork in a country not their