Investigating submerged secrets Underwater archeological research
MúzeumCafé 4.
Archeologists used to be known as ‘divers for antiquities’, but it has only been since the second half of the 20th century that they have actually gone under water. Hungary joined this ‘club’ of sub-aqua discoverers only at the end of the 1980s. Waterbeds stretching for a thousand kilometres most be combed thoroughly, for only what we know of can be protected. This is a huge task, particularly since there is no state financial support. Research is conducted by combining the forces of the National Office of Cultural Heritage and the Association of Hungarian Archaeologists and Art Historians, Department of Underwater Archaeology, and with the help of volunteers by using financial support for specific projects. Several sites have been recently discovered despite the difficulties and harsh conditions, which include strong currents and low visibility. Worth highlighting is the research of an early Modern Age Danube ferry barge in Tolna county and a huge hollow-boat burial site (so far 30 boats have been mapped), at Drávatamási, where the remains of a plank vessel have also been discovered. Investigation of the Danube section by Esztergom is to begin in spring 2008, since according to contemporary sources and recent reports it is possible that one of Queen Mary’s barges lost in 1526 can be identified. These boats were transporting the possessions of the royal court and those of court nobles; thus if found unique relics of Hungary’s ‘lost Middle Ages’ can be brought to the surface. A Sonar and speed-boat have been acquired, thanks to generous support from the Los Angeles Hungaria Nostra Foundation.