The Excavation of the Wreck of the Lune; a Laboratory for the Archaeology of the Abyss

Author(s): Michel L'Hour

Year: 2014

Summary

Submerged in 91 meters outside of Toulon, the wreck of the Lune, a vessel of the French Royal Navy lost in 1664 offers a testimony of 17th-century maritime, military, social and material history. The site’s exceptional scientific interest and its depth have lead to the development of an experimental excavation project. The objective is to use this project to develop and perfect excavation logistic and a methodology perfectly adapted to wrecks located in great depths and entirely acceptable to archaeological standards.Started in 2012, this research project brings together archaeologists, historians, engineers, computer and robotics specialists, experts in underwater exploration, 3D imagery researchers. Many research programs have been developed around this project, for example in the field of conservation of metal artefact from deep-sea beds. This paper will provide an opportunity to present the wreck and an overview of the methods, techniques and equipment presently in development.

Cite this Record

The Excavation of the Wreck of the Lune; a Laboratory for the Archaeology of the Abyss. Michel L'Hour. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. 2014 ( tDAR id: 437237)

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-69,01