Archaeology of the Batavia Wreck

Practice flashcards covering the discovery, excavation seasons, recording methods, and conservation of the Batavia shipwreck.

Who discovered the Batavia wreck site and where were the initial Dutch artefacts found?

The site was discovered by cray-fisherman Dave Johnson; initial artefacts and human remains were found on Beacon Island.

When were the first successful excavations of the Batavia wreck conducted and by whom?

In $1963$ by Max Cramer, Graham Cramer, and Greg Allen.

What was the official duration of the ship's excavation seasons and which part was primarily focused on?

The excavation occurred over four seasons from $1972$ to $1976$, completely excavating the stern section.

What was identified as the greatest environmental problem during the excavation, and how was it managed?

The greatest problem was swell; it was managed by using two mooring points at $50\,m$ and $75\,m$ from the wreck.

How many days did the team work over the four fieldwork seasons, and how many of those were spent in the water?

They worked a total of $447$ days, with $173$ of those in the water on the wreck site.

What are the dimensions of the area inside the reef where storm-driven material was found?

An area about $500\,m$ long by $200\,m$ wide.

How was fresh water obtained for the excavation team on Beacon Island?

Catchment tanks were used to collect rainwater because no fresh water was available on the island.

What method was used for underwater recording when taped measurements proved difficult due to surge?

A taut wire base-line was run over the long axis of the site with a sliding right angle frame used to coordinate object positions.

How was the contour map of the wreck site created?

By running seven parallel lines $3\,m$ apart along the axis of the site and taking depth measurements at $1\,m$ intervals.

In the timber recording system, what did the prefix letters A, B, and C represent?

A represented knees, decking, and deck beams; B represented the ceiling; C represented the frames.

What was the purpose of using stereophotography during the excavation?

To provide a 3D dimension that revealed features like cannon balls under concretion in featureless areas.

What were the primary objectives during Season 1 ($1972$-$1973$)?

Removing coral rubble, creating a trench to see site stratigraphy, and investigating sandstone blocks.

Why were small explosives used during Season 2 ($1973$-$1974$)?

To crack the large amounts of concretion caused by cannon balls that hindered the site.

What were the characteristics of the 'Fashion Piece' recovered in Season 3?

It was a large timber used to support the stern and transom, measuring over $4\,m$ and weighing over $1\,\text{tonne}$.

What scientific instrument found in Season 3 was used for calculating time and determining latitude?

A perfectly preserved astrolabe.

How many artefacts were collected in total, and what did the 137 sandstone blocks represent?

More than $35,000$ artefacts were collected; the sandstone blocks formed a stone portico façade for Batavia Castle.

What percentage of the original hull do the excavated timbers represent?

Approximately $10\%$.

What was the sequence for conserving the hull timbers after they reached Fremantle?

Desalination in freshwater for $2$ years, PEG treatment for $2$ to $3$ years, and air drying for $6$ to $12$ months.

How was acid formation on the displayed timbers treated?

It was treated using gaseous ammonia, and gallery humidity was reduced and controlled.