Encyclopaedia
of Underwater Archaeology - Volume 3
Mare Nostrum: the Roman sea
Gabriel de Donato, Stéphane Duperray and Alain-Xavier Wurst
The
Romans created an empire encircling the Mediterranean, to which they staked
claim as Mare Nostrum - ‘our sea’. For 500 years their ships helped enlarge
and consolidate this empire, linking its farflung trading posts and keeping the
peace. Over the centuries, many of these vessels were lost, their timbers and
cargoes lying forgotten on the seabed.
The excavation of these underwater sites has greatly enriched our knowledge of
Roman maritime history, as well as lending insights into the everyday lives of
this empire of merchants, engineers and soldiers. This volume covers the most
significant Roman wreck sites so far rediscovered - among others Lake Nemi,
Comacchio and la Madrague de Giens.
Detailed surveys of the wrecks and their cargoes, sometimes lasting many years,
have allowed archaeologists and historians to formulate new theories on the
shipbuilding techniques, naval strategy, diet, currency and trade routes of the
Romans from the Republic to the last days of the Empire.
In this volume, we present you with some of these discoveries wrested from the
depths of time and ocean
·Input
from many internationally renowned underwater archaeologists who took part in
these excavations, with detailed information, photographs and personal
commentaries.
·Each contributor is a specialist in his or her own field, and is often part of
an eminent marine institution, museum or university.
·Clear and original layout to attract a wide readership.
·Beautifully presented, full-colour scientific books, illustrated throughout
with photographs, maps and first-hand documents from the excavations.
·Printed and bound to
hardback,
jacketed, and printed in 4 colours.
59 colour and B&W photographs, maps and illustrations.
Format:
ISBN: 1-902699-55-6