Skeletons, Shipwrecks and Artifacts! Ocean Institute Hosts Archaeology Event Saturday

Even before Indiana Jones hit the silver screen, archaeology conjured up adventure, romance and discovery.  Now the excitement of an archaeological dig is coming to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point today, Saturday, March 10. 

If you’ve ever wondered what being part of an excavation would be like, wonder no more.

Dr. Ufuk Kocabas brings his story about the major archaeological find in Turkey to light at the Ocean Institute on Saturday at 6 p.m.  The event—The Treasure Below:  Excavating at the Ancient Port of Constantinople-- is co-sponsored by the American Friends of Turkey and the Association of Turkish Americans of Southern California.  None other than the Archaeological Institute of America made this presentation at the Ocean Institute a reality.

Dr. Kocabas, director of Istanbul University’s Yenikapi Shipwrecks Project, will give a first-hand telling of an unexpected archaeological treasure trove full of ancient history.  If you’ve dreamed of being an archaeologist, make that dream come true—even if it’s an armchair version—when Dr. Kocabas breathes life into ancient history through words, video clips, animation and 3-D segments.

What’s It about?

• A site in Yenikapi where the oldest skeletons—8,500 years-old—ever found in what is now Turkey.
• The discovery of 36 shipwrecks, including Byzantine galleys.
• 40,000 artifacts (wine and olive oil amphorae and other every day items).

The discovery came about because of a tunnel being constructed under the Marmara Sea.  The tunnel is supposed to create Istanbul’s most important transportation hub.

A reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited.  The $25 cost includes the lecture Turkish refreshments and music.

The 6 p.m. lecture alone is $8 per person for Ocean Institute and AIA members.  General admission is $15 per person.  Register online at www.ocean-institute.org or by calling 949-496-2274.