The Underwater Cultural Heritage

The sea covers four-fifths of the surface of the earth and has been the setting of human history since its very beginning. Underwater cultural heritage is therefore of enormous cultural significance and of great variety.

Over the centuries, thousands of ships, entire cities, and even landscapes have been swallowed by the waves. Their remains constitute a precious heritage. In recent years, this heritage has attracted increasing attention from the scientific community and the general public.

Underwater cultural heritage needs to be protected in the same way as land heritage, since it is a source of much historical information. However, it also features characteristics that make it unique.