THE UNDERWATER DIG: An Introduction to Marine Archaeology

by Robert F. Marx ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1975

Never merely a treasure hunter, Robert Marx has tried for years to foster cooperation between scuba divers and archaeologists, and here he laments the slow, uncertain growth of underwater archaeology as a field--according to him there are only 50 trained specialists in the world, funds are chronically short and mutual suspicion still keeps divers and academics apart. In the obvious hope of inspiring serious amateurs and future students, Marx surveys the scientific approach to underwater exploration--the kinds of sites, the equipment needed for properly plotting and excavating them--and recalls some major successes--including his own work on the sunken city of Port Royal, Jamaica and the spectacular finds of non-scholars like Bill Royal, who astounded anthropologists by recovering a 12,000-year-old human skull (with brain) in a Florida mineral spring. But anyone who just wants to share the pleasure of the hunt and the excitement of discovery will be satisfied with Marx's Lure of Sunken Treasure (1973); this is for the reader more interested in sophisticated technology than gold doubloons.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1975

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walck

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1975

Categories: NONFICTION