St. Eustatius, a small island in the Lesser Antilles, was one of the busiest ports in the eighteenth-century Atlantic World. Contested between the Dutch, French, and English, the island... Show moreSt. Eustatius, a small island in the Lesser Antilles, was one of the busiest ports in the eighteenth-century Atlantic World. Contested between the Dutch, French, and English, the island attracted thousands of ships a year and became one of the most cosmopolitan places in the New World. Moreover, the island played an important role in the American War of Independence (1775-1783), during which large quantities of arms, ammunition, and gunpowder were shipped to the fledgling United States through St. Eustatius. Relics of this turbulent past are found all over the island and in its surrounding waters. These include warehouses in the historic port district, fortifications all around the island, sugar plantations in the countryside, and a variety of underwater archaeological sites such as shipwrecks, anchorage areas, and docks. Through extensive archaeological and documentary research, this study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the maritime cultural landscape of St. Eustatius over the past four centuries. It focuses on bridging the gap between the marine and terrestrial worlds and demonstrates that in order to truly make sense of the complex interactions, events, and processes that shaped this maritime world, land and sea need to be studied in relation to each other. Show less
The Netherlands is a maritime nation with a rich past. this is reflected in the many archaeological sites still present in the seabed and that are often well preserved. This underwater cultural... Show moreThe Netherlands is a maritime nation with a rich past. this is reflected in the many archaeological sites still present in the seabed and that are often well preserved. This underwater cultural heritage - consisting of shipwrecks, bridges and quays, amongst others, is under threat. However, the resource also offer chances for a better understanding of our past and our current society. It can even help us to make predictions of the future. If we want to be able to do this, than it is necessary to deal with this underwater cultural heritage in a responsible way. This thesis uses the Western Wadden Sea - the former Texel Roads - as a case to show what is threatening underwater cultural heritage, how these threats can be mitigated and in which ways the underwater cultural heritage can be used a a scientific resource, but also for enjoyment and commemmoration. Show less
