When did archaeologists first don diving gear? This is one of the questions addressed in our new book examining underwater research from the Renaissance through 1960. George Bass brought modern methods underwater at the Cape Gelidonya excavation in 1960, which concludes the book.

There were many underwater surveys and excavations prior to 1960. From Lake Nemi in 1446 to spring offerings in 1593 and the Tiber in 1775, archaeologists/antiquarians used divers to seek archaeological remains. But when did archaeologists start diving? Below: Rößlin's 1593 study

In 1935-1946, the team diving in Wookey Hole identified remains from at least 18 Romano-British individuals, and associated artifacts, likely relating to burials. The findings were published in the Somersetshire Archaeological Society journal.

In 1930 Alma Reed & Hans Hartman formed the Mediterranean Deep Sea Diving Expedition to use a diving bell to dive at Miseno, Baia, and Capri. Reed had previously visited Carthage and the Sacred Cenote in Mexico, making her the first writer to document underwater projects.

In 1922-25 Count Byron Khun de Prorok used Greek diving equipment to dive on submerged sites off Tunisia and Algeria. He also used aircraft and film cameras, creating perhaps the first archaeological documentary films- including underwater thanks to Hartman's equipment.

In 1908 Odo Blundell donned a hardhat to explore Scottish crannogs. His quite advanced interpretation of crannog structures was published in a series of articles in the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland journal. h/t @MjStratigos

In 1843 Heinrich Ulrichs used diving equipment to examine the construction of harborworks in Piraeus. He only briefly mentions this in his publication, so we know little of his methods. Photo from the recent Danish-Greek excavation, since Ulrichs didn't have u/w photography!

There are many other examples of u/w archaeology prior to 1960, tho w/archaeologists above water. Nevertheless, these archaeologists were exceptional at interpreting underwater sites. Below: Jondet, Alexandria 1918; Gunther, Naples 1901; Merlin, Mahdia 1907; Poidebard, Tyre 1934.

This Wednesday you can attend the @NautArchSoc webinar discussing the development of maritime archaeology in the eastern Mediterranean. Come learn about early forays into underwater research in Lebanon, Egypt, and Cyprus! https://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/under-the-water-webinars