Nautical Archaeology at Philipps-Universität Marburg

photo: Daniel Reymann

From September 2010 to July 2013 the Archaeology Seminar at Philipps-University Marburg in Germany ran an academic program in nautical archaeology. 

Centering on the Mediterranean and adjacent seas, courses were introduced at the introductory level and progressing through more specific topics over subsequent semesters.  Taught by Ralph Pedersen, long-time research associate with the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and past visiting professor at the American University of Beirut and the University of San Diego, the courses have proven highly popular with the students.  As the first of its kind in Germany, the nautical archaeology lecture and seminar courses are providing Marburg students with a unique opportunity to explore new aspects of archaeology and further their education and potential post-graduate employment.  Already several students are seeking higher educational opportunities in this field of research, or planning on centering their future careers on nautical archaeology.

Courses included:

Introduction to Marine Archaeology, Nautical Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Preclassical Seafaring,  Harbors of the Mediterranean- from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period, Seafaring in Antiquity, Byzantine Seafaring, Shipwrecks in the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Inland Water Transport in the Imperium Romanum, Trade and Economy in the Ancient Mediterranean, War at Sea in Antiquity, Romans and the Sea, Ship Construction from the Bronze Age through the Byzantine Period, Greek Colonization, and Archaeology of the Red Sea.

Private sponsorship for this endeavor is necessary.

NAS Training:

  Research: In 2011, the Marburg team conducted survey training exercises in the Lahn River in Marburg.  In addition, a 5-year research project was started in the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia to explore the sea floor and coasts for evidence of ancient seafaring, ships, and harbors.