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Underwater Archaeology: Mysteries of the Deep
The work of archaeology uncovers fascinating vestiges of humanity’s past, greatly enriching our knowledge of our ancestors and ourselves. Over the last century, archaeologists have increasingly ventured underwater, making spellbinding finds and opening an incredible new frontier for archaeological discovery.
In the 12 delightful and eye-opening lectures of Underwater Mysteries of the Deep, Professor Lemke, an expert underwater archaeologist working in the field, invites you to discover astonishing treasures of history that lie beneath the waves, such
· Cities Beneath the Waters. Discover sunken cities such as Antirhodos (Egypt), revealing a submerged royal palace and a temple to Isis; the drowned city of Port Royal in Jamaica, an extraordinary time capsule of 17th century life; and more.
· The Stunning Lore of Shipwrecks. Encounter the Uluburun, a Bronze Age ship laden with luxury objects; the massive 17th century Swedish warship Vasa; the Queen Anne’s Revenge, vessel of the feared pirate Blackbeard; and many others.
· Life in Mesolithic and Neolithic Times. Visit the submerged Mesolithic villages of Tybrind Vig in Denmark and Bouldnor Cliff in England and discover Neolithic-era wooden boats found underwater in Italy.
· Archaeology in Cold Water. Follow archaeologists using sonar who uncovered stone hunting blinds used by Ice Age caribou hunters, along with the team that used remotely operated vehicles to find the Endurance, a ship lost in the Antarctic in 2743 meters of water.
· Underwater Finds of the Modern Era. Study discoveries at key 20th century sites. Among many, delve into the excavation of the Titanic and track major work in the Pacific, recovering submerged aircraft, landing craft, and shipwrecks from the World War II battle of Saipan.
In Underwater Mysteries of the Deep you’ll travel into a new domain for archaeological work, finding lost worlds and compelling perspectives on our shared human past.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
In the 12 delightful and eye-opening lectures of Underwater Mysteries of the Deep, Professor Lemke, an expert underwater archaeologist working in the field, invites you to discover astonishing treasures of history that lie beneath the waves, such
· Cities Beneath the Waters. Discover sunken cities such as Antirhodos (Egypt), revealing a submerged royal palace and a temple to Isis; the drowned city of Port Royal in Jamaica, an extraordinary time capsule of 17th century life; and more.
· The Stunning Lore of Shipwrecks. Encounter the Uluburun, a Bronze Age ship laden with luxury objects; the massive 17th century Swedish warship Vasa; the Queen Anne’s Revenge, vessel of the feared pirate Blackbeard; and many others.
· Life in Mesolithic and Neolithic Times. Visit the submerged Mesolithic villages of Tybrind Vig in Denmark and Bouldnor Cliff in England and discover Neolithic-era wooden boats found underwater in Italy.
· Archaeology in Cold Water. Follow archaeologists using sonar who uncovered stone hunting blinds used by Ice Age caribou hunters, along with the team that used remotely operated vehicles to find the Endurance, a ship lost in the Antarctic in 2743 meters of water.
· Underwater Finds of the Modern Era. Study discoveries at key 20th century sites. Among many, delve into the excavation of the Titanic and track major work in the Pacific, recovering submerged aircraft, landing craft, and shipwrecks from the World War II battle of Saipan.
In Underwater Mysteries of the Deep you’ll travel into a new domain for archaeological work, finding lost worlds and compelling perspectives on our shared human past.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Audible Audio
Published April 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 26, 2026
Rating: 3.5 stars
In these 12 lectures, Professor Lemke, an expert working in the field, provides a very broad and superficial overview of what archaeology underwater involves and how it works. The lectures then focus on a particular theme and provide examples, such as (1) sunken cities of the ancient Mediterranean; (2) submerged traces of early human migration; (3) pirates, plunderers, and mutineers; (4) Viking ships and stone age Danes; (5) cold water archaeology; (6) ritual sites and votive offerings; (7) shipwrecks and nautical archaeology; (8) sunken warships; (9) in search of ancient seafarers; and (10) the future of the underwater archaeology. A somewhat repetitive, but quick and easy listen, but I wanted more about the actual archaeology and not just all the interesting finds.
In these 12 lectures, Professor Lemke, an expert working in the field, provides a very broad and superficial overview of what archaeology underwater involves and how it works. The lectures then focus on a particular theme and provide examples, such as (1) sunken cities of the ancient Mediterranean; (2) submerged traces of early human migration; (3) pirates, plunderers, and mutineers; (4) Viking ships and stone age Danes; (5) cold water archaeology; (6) ritual sites and votive offerings; (7) shipwrecks and nautical archaeology; (8) sunken warships; (9) in search of ancient seafarers; and (10) the future of the underwater archaeology. A somewhat repetitive, but quick and easy listen, but I wanted more about the actual archaeology and not just all the interesting finds.
January 26, 2026
Very repetitive. Quick listen compared to other Great Courses. Good information.
May 16, 2026
This is such a great introduction to how underwater archaeology is conducted!
Ashley Lemke describes the various tools and methodologies used to study submerged artifacts (AUVs, ROVs, wetsuit and drysuit scuba, sonar, dredging, etc) and the diverse environments such work can take place (lakes, marshes and bogs, rivers, estuaries, coastal seas, and the deep ocean). Her lectures are engaging, clear, and informative. Sites discussed include the ancient sunken city of Antirhodos in Egypt, stone hunting blinds used by Ice Age caribou hunters, the Endurance, the Queen Anne's Revenge, the Titanic, Tuskegee airmen aircraft, and many others.
Sure, this is an overview, but listeners know that going in because of how short it is. This is just the sort of Great Courses production I enjoy: I learned something new and am inspired to dive deeper (pun intended). I recommend this to those interested in this field as well as fans of the Drain Our Oceans docuseries.
Ashley Lemke describes the various tools and methodologies used to study submerged artifacts (AUVs, ROVs, wetsuit and drysuit scuba, sonar, dredging, etc) and the diverse environments such work can take place (lakes, marshes and bogs, rivers, estuaries, coastal seas, and the deep ocean). Her lectures are engaging, clear, and informative. Sites discussed include the ancient sunken city of Antirhodos in Egypt, stone hunting blinds used by Ice Age caribou hunters, the Endurance, the Queen Anne's Revenge, the Titanic, Tuskegee airmen aircraft, and many others.
Sure, this is an overview, but listeners know that going in because of how short it is. This is just the sort of Great Courses production I enjoy: I learned something new and am inspired to dive deeper (pun intended). I recommend this to those interested in this field as well as fans of the Drain Our Oceans docuseries.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews