A Brief History of Underwater Archaeology in the Maya Area

Abstract

AbstractUnderwater archaeology in the Maya area during the twentieth century has gradually evolved from a avocational activity whose primary focus was on the recovery of artifacts to a subdiscipline with more focused professional concerns. The present synthesis outlines the history of underwater research throughout the Maya area, including projects at pre-Hispanic sites in the lowlands and highlands, as well as the exploration of offshore historic wrecks. It concludes with a brief assessment of the current state of this research.