Dive & Dig

Honor Frost Foundation

Welcome to Dive & Dig presented by Bettany Hughes and Dr Lucy Blue, the podcast that takes you on an underwater journey deeper than you might ever have imagined! We'll take you down into an undiscovered world of our ancient past thanks to the technology which makes deep diving possible today. And we'll show you some amazing archaeological discoveries when we get there.

  1. Prayer or Pleasure: Discovery of a 1st century AD barge in Alexandria, Egypt

    FEB 12

    Prayer or Pleasure: Discovery of a 1st century AD barge in Alexandria, Egypt

    Renowned French maritime archaeologist Franck Goddio joins Professor Lucy Blue to discuss his latest discovery in the eastern harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. Working with his team of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Goddio reveals the uncovering of a 1st-century AD pleasure barge, known as a thalamegos. A bathymetric sub-bottom profiler survey detected a long anomaly and careful excavation through the sediment revealed the vessel’s planking, keel, and structural elements. Measuring over 30 metres long, this flat-bottomed boat was located in the small royal harbour off the island of Antirhodos. Limited finds and graffiti inscribed above the keel, helped date the vessel. These clues, combined with the writings of the Greek geographer Strabo, who described Alexandria during the Roman period, offer insights into the luxurious activities that may have taken place on board.  An alternative hypothesis links the barge to the Temple of Isis, originally situated near the palace of Cleopatra VII, raising the intriguing possibility that it was used in Isiac ceremonial processions. As Goddio explains, it is hardly surprising that the harbours of Alexandria continue to yield extraordinary discoveries, as after all, this was once the very centre of the ancient world. Follow along with this work on this website: www.franckgoddio.org

    20 min
  2. The Nissia Shipwreck: An Entangled Biography

    JAN 7

    The Nissia Shipwreck: An Entangled Biography

    Dr. Stella Demesticha, Associate Professor of Maritime Archaeological Research at the University of Cyprus, joins Professor Lucy Blue to discuss a remarkable Ottoman-period shipwreck located off Cyprus’ east coast. Excavated over three seasons by the Maritime Archaeological Research Laboratory of the University of Cyprus in collaboration with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the wreck identified as the Nissia, is a post-medieval vessel likely dating to the 18th–19th century AD. Measuring over 30 metres in length, the wreck represents a significant addition to our understanding of Cyprus’ maritime history during the Ottoman era. Although no definitive cargo has yet been recovered, intriguing material clues are emerging. Timber analysis reveals that its oak planks originate from northern Europe, suggesting a possible Dutch connection. Four cannons have also been recorded on the site, though evidence of looting raises the possibility that additional armaments were once present. Other finds include Ottoman smoking pipes, bricks, and bundles of pointed wooden logs believed to be firewood, offering valuable insight into life on board. As on-going research and scientific analysis continue, archaeologists anticipate that further discoveries will clarify the identity, origins, and final voyage of this vessel.The project wishes to thank:The Honor Frost Foundation THETIDAThe University of Cyprus: Department of History and ArchaeologyThe University of Cyprus: Archaeology Research UnitMARELab (Maritime Archaeology Research Laboratory)

    21 min
  3. The Monoxylon Expeditions: Neolithic Boat Voyages

    06/18/2025

    The Monoxylon Expeditions: Neolithic Boat Voyages

    At the 6th Maritime Archaeology Graduate Symposium (MAGS) held in Ioannina, Greece, Professor Lucy Blue spoke with Radomír Tichý from the University of Hradec Králové, Max Šámal (Charles University of Prague) and Aleš Panáček (Archaeopark Všestary) about a series of expeditions called “Monoxylon”. Hear how a team of Czech experimental archaeologists successfully reconstructed and navigated a replica of an 8,000-year-old Neolithic logboat discovered with five other boats at La Marmotta, a submerged lakeshore settlement beneath Lake Bracciano near Rome. Based on the largest, made from an oak trunk measuring over 10 metres in length, it featured transverse reinforcements for hull stability.  Additional objects discovered suggest the use of sails and the presence of obsidian tools from Milos, support the idea that these boats facilitated long distance trade and travel.  The series of expeditions tested the seaworthiness of these ancient designs. Monoxylon IV was paddled by twenty-one crewmembers over 500 kilometres across the Aegean from the island of Samos to the Peloponnese demonstrating that Neolithic communities possessed not only the craftsmanship to fashion such sophisticated vessels, but also the navigational skills to undertake such maritime journeys. The voyages provided practical insights into early human migration, trade routes, and the spread of agricultural practices across the Mediterranean with a profound human story at the heart.  For more information on this project visit the website (https://www.monoxylon.cz/en/), watch the teaser trailer for the upcoming documentary movie (https://youtu.be/6FkAuzf759U?feature=shared) and visit the project YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/…524)

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dive & Dig presented by Bettany Hughes and Dr Lucy Blue, the podcast that takes you on an underwater journey deeper than you might ever have imagined! We'll take you down into an undiscovered world of our ancient past thanks to the technology which makes deep diving possible today. And we'll show you some amazing archaeological discoveries when we get there.

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