Oxford University Practical Mariner Project First Year Review

The Oxford's Practical Mariner project, funded by Augmentum, has successfully completed its first year, generating significant interest and collaboration within the academic community. Key activities during the initial five months included hiring postdoctoral researchers, acquiring necessary equipment, and promoting the project at the European Association of Archaeologists conference in Rome.

Additionally, a research collaboration was established with the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the Nikolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, enhancing the project's fieldwork capabilities.

Research Structure

The project's research is organized into three analytical scales:

1. Large-scale analysis: Utilizes modern environmental datasets to create a general model addressing seasonal and bi-monthly patterns of currents, weather, and resource availability.

2. Medium-scale analysis: Focuses on regional data modified by archaeological findings and paleo-environmental data.

3. Small-scale analysis: Involves detailed fieldwork aimed at validating the models with localized archaeological data 2.

   
   

Achievements in Computational Research

Oxford postdoctoral researcher, has developed a general model of weather and currents, which is expected to be completed ahead of schedule. An interactive story map illustrating visibility in the Mediterranean has been created to enhance public engagement with the research findings. Another Oxford researcher has compiled a database of shipwrecks, identifying materials used in repairs and creating an interactive map of wreck locations and associated resources.

The funding cycle commenced in May 2024, allowing for early setup and participation in relevant conferences. Recruitment for the postdoctoral positions was conducted both of whom have proven to be valuable assets to the project. The project has also established international collaborations, such as a partnership with the Centre of Underwater Archaeology in Poland, which will aid in technical training and data processing.

The research is structured into four phases, with the initial phases focusing on GIS mapping of ecological and archaeological characteristics of the Mediterranean and northern Atlantic coast. The concurrent analysis of large and medium-scale datasets has proven effective in addressing systemic questions while identifying areas for detailed investigation.

Computational Aspects

The computational team is working on a Multi-Agent Model, which will integrate various datasets to simulate maritime navigation and resource availability. This model will be informed by environmental data and archaeological findings, creating a feedback loop that enhances both large-scale and localized analyses.

Data Gathering

Data collection has focused on oceanographic, meteorological, and archaeological datasets, which are essential for the general model. The team has developed custom Python scripts to manipulate and summarize multidimensional datasets, enhancing the project's analytical capabilities.

Archaeological Research

Another Oxford memeber has focused on understanding the socio-economic dynamics of ancient mariners by analyzing shipwreck data and creating a digital library to organize research materials. His work includes a case study on Morocco, which highlights the region's historical significance and its role in maritime trade networks.

Future Steps

Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its research into Corsica and finalize the development of the Multi-Agent Model. Upcoming activities include fieldwork preparation, further case studies on ancient port cities, and potential public exhibitions to disseminate research findings.