Heritage and the Sea: Volume 1: Maritime History and Archaeology of the Global Iberian World (15th-18th centuries)

This two-volume set explores the importance of Iberian shipbuilding in the centuries of the first globalization, integrating history, Geographic Information Sciences, underwater archaeology, dendrochronology, and wood provenance techniques. Volume 1 focuses on the history and archaeology of seafaring and shipbuilding, while Volume 2 discusses timber trade and supply for shipbuilding, analysis of shipbuilding treatises, and the application of GIS to the study of shipwrecks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 373 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This two-volume set delves into the profound significance of Iberian shipbuilding during the centuries of the so-called "first globalization" (15th to 18th). This era witnessed an unprecedented expansion of ocean navigation and seafaring, accompanied by a heightened demand for natural resources, particularly timber, primarily oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.). The chapters are framed within a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research approach that integrates history, Geographic Information Sciences, underwater archaeology, dendrochronology, and wood provenance techniques. This line of research was developed during the ForSEAdiscovery project, a groundbreaking endeavor that had a profound impact on the academic and scientific communities, bringing together experts from Europe and America.

The volumes present a cutting-edge review of the latest developments in Iberian maritime history and archaeology, highlighting their growing interdisciplinary interplay with dendroarchaeology. This synthesis encompasses an analysis of historical sources, a systematic study of wreck remains and material culture associated with Iberian seafaring from the 15th to the 18th centuries, and the application of earth sciences, including dendrochronology. The set serves as a valuable manual and work guide for experts and students, while also offering an engaging read for non-experts interested in this captivating subject.

Volume 1 of this set focuses on the history and archaeology of seafaring and shipbuilding in the Iberian early modern world. It provides a comprehensive examination of the maritime landscape, including the development of shipbuilding techniques, the organization of shipyards, and the trade networks that facilitated the exchange of goods. Case studies on timber trade and supply for shipbuilding are included, along with an analysis of shipbuilding treatises and the application of Geographic Information Systems and Databases (GIS) to the study of shipwrecks.

Volume 2 delves into the material culture and technological advancements associated with Iberian shipbuilding. It explores the construction materials used, such as oak and pine, and the techniques employed to shape and assemble the ships. The chapter also discusses the role of shipwrecks in shaping our understanding of maritime history and archaeology, and the techniques used to investigate and excavate these sites.

In conclusion, this two-volume set offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of Iberian shipbuilding during the centuries of the "first globalization." It sheds light on the crucial role played by Iberian shipbuilders in shaping the world's maritime landscape and provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of this period. The set's multidisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art research make it an essential resource for experts, students, and anyone interested in maritime history and archaeology.

Weight: 593g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030864620
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022