What do archaeologists consider to be the most significant artifact recovered?
Although there have been a variety of spectacular finds, including cannons, a bronze bell, flakes of gold and two beautiful wine bottles, archaeologists look at the collection as a whole for its significance. With a large array of cannon and shot they are able to get a glimpse of naval warfare during the early 18th century. Food remains and eating utensils give them an idea how they lived. Navigational and medical instruments reveal the technology of the day. These and many other aspects can be revealed through the ship’s material culture. • How do you excavate underwater? First, references for mapping the site are established by setting a grid consisting of a north- south base line chain and east west transects of yellow line at ten-foot intervals. Excavation is done in ten foot square units by divers in full scuba gear. In some squares several feet of sand have been removed using hand fanning, a dredge, and an airlift. Artifacts and features are photographed, plotted on a map, drawn,
