The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, leaving its remains scattered across the ocean floor, with over 1,500 lives lost. Decades later, natural decay and marine processes continue to alter the wreck.
In 1985, the wreck was discovered by Robert Ballard’s team, followed by manned submersible explorations and artefact recoveries, sparking debates over the ethics of salvage operations and the site’s preservation.
Advances in technology, particularly autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), enabled detailed mapping of the site in 2010. This comprehensive archaeological survey was a breakthrough in underwater archaeology.
The Titanic site was mapped as a vast “artefact field,” revealing patterns of debris and detailed insights into the ship’s disintegration upon impact. The study identified intact compartments and remains of artefacts, including personal items and ship structures.
The article addresses controversies over artefact recovery, including public criticism and legal disputes about preserving the integrity of the wreck as a memorial and archaeological resource.
The Titanic’s archaeology reflects broader historical themes, including societal stratification, migration, and the technological aspirations of its era.
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Citation:
James P. Delgado (2012) Archaeology of Titanic, Archaeology (May/June 2012)
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