Ologies with Alie Ward – Smologies #24: SHIPWRECKS with Chanelle Zaphiropoulos

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Alie sits down with Chanelle Zaphiropoulos, a maritime archaeologist, to explore the fascinating world of shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage sites. They discuss the importance of maritime archaeology, the challenges of studying shipwrecks, and the valuable insights they provide into history and the lives of those who sailed on them.

Main Takeaways

Maritime Archaeology and Shipwrecks

• Maritime archaeology is the study of shipwrecks and other underwater cultural heritage sites.
• Shipwrecks can provide valuable insights into history and the lives of those who sailed on them.
• Underwater environments can be better for preservation than on land.

Shipwreck Discoveries and Conservation

• Scuba gear and sonar have made it easier to study shipwrecks.
• Conservation issues, ecological impact, and ethical considerations determine whether a shipwreck can be raised to the surface.
• Communications technology plays a role in locating shipwrecks.

Factors Leading to Shipwrecks

• Shipwrecks can occur due to icebergs, fog, zones of convergence, and other wrecks.
• Florida’s Treasure Coast is named after 11 Spanish galleons that sank in a hurricane, leaving behind millions of dollars worth of treasure.
• Newfoundland faces challenges with icebergs and fog, making navigation difficult.

Methods for Dating Shipwrecks

• Carbon dating is one method used to age shipwrecks, but it has a large error factor and only applies to organic materials.
• Materials found on board, such as amphoras, coins, and barrels, can help determine the time period of a ship’s sinking.
• Studying growth rings in shells can indicate how long a shipwreck has been underwater.

Fascinating Shipwreck Finds

• Shipwrecks often reveal interesting artifacts that provide insights into daily life, such as gambling dice from a period when gambling was prohibited.
• The Antikythera mechanism, considered the world’s first computer, was a device used for navigation.

Myths and Legends

• The Bermuda Triangle is not a paranormal hotspot but a heavily trafficked shipping lane with weather challenges.
• Atlantis is a fictional concept based on a Plato fable.

Language and Personal Development

• Maritime archaeology allows for working with communities and giving back to them.
• Procrastination can be a result of perfectionism and fear of failure.
• The Japanese concept of “Kaizen” emphasizes continuous improvement and taking small steps towards a larger goal.
• “Sitzfleisch,” a German word, refers to the ability to persevere through difficult or boring tasks.
• The “One-Minute Rule” suggests tackling tasks that take less than a minute immediately.

Summary

Maritime Archaeology and Shipwrecks

Maritime archaeology focuses on studying shipwrecks and other underwater cultural heritage sites. Shipwrecks offer valuable insights into history and the lives of those who sailed on them. Underwater environments often provide better preservation conditions than on land.

Shipwreck Discoveries and Conservation

Advancements in technology, such as scuba gear and sonar, have made it easier to locate and study shipwrecks. However, whether a shipwreck can be raised to the surface depends on conservation issues, ecological impact, and ethical considerations. Communication technology plays a crucial role in locating shipwrecks.

Factors Leading to Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks can occur due to various factors, including icebergs, fog, zones of convergence, and collisions with other wrecks. Florida’s Treasure Coast, named after Spanish galleons that sank in a hurricane, is a prime example of shipwrecks leaving behind valuable treasures. Newfoundland faces challenges with icebergs and fog, making navigation difficult.

Methods for Dating Shipwrecks

Carbon dating, although with a large error factor and limited to organic materials, is one method used to age shipwrecks. Other methods involve analyzing materials found on board, such as amphoras, coins, and barrels, which have unique stylistic changes over different time periods. Sclerochronology, the study of growth rings in shells, can also help determine how long a shipwreck has been underwater.

Fascinating Shipwreck Finds

Shipwrecks often reveal intriguing artifacts that provide insights into daily life. For example, gambling dice found on a shipwreck from a period when gambling was prohibited shed light on the recreational activities of sailors. The Antikythera mechanism, considered the world’s first computer, was a device used for navigation and tracking time and astronomical positions.

Myths and Legends

The Bermuda Triangle, often associated with ship disappearances, is actually a heavily trafficked shipping lane with weather challenges. There is no scientific evidence to support claims of paranormal activity. Atlantis, a fictional concept, originated from a Plato fable and is not a real location.

Language and Personal Development

Maritime archaeology allows for collaboration with communities and giving back to them. The episode also touches on personal development topics, such as overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure. Concepts like “Kaizen” and “Sitzfleisch” emphasize continuous improvement and perseverance through difficult tasks. The “One-Minute Rule” encourages tackling quick tasks immediately.

Conclusion

Exploring shipwrecks through maritime archaeology opens up a world of historical insights and cultural preservation. Shipwrecks offer glimpses into the lives of those who sailed on them and provide valuable artifacts that bring history to life. By studying shipwrecks, we can better understand our past and connect with the stories of those who came before us.