"Treasure of the Atocha: A Four Hundred Million Dollar Archeological Adventure" 1986 Mathewson, R. Duncan III

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MATHEWSON, R. Duncan III

Foreword by Mel Fisher

[160] pp.

E.P. Dutton

1986

9 1/4" x 6 1/4"

This work … Read more MATHEWSON, R. Duncan III

Foreword by Mel Fisher

[160] pp.

E.P. Dutton

1986

9 1/4" x 6 1/4"

This work details a 16-year undersea adventure and search for a fabulous treasure. The history of the search is brought to life as an archaeological jigsaw puzzle gradually coming together and an insider's account of the controversy raging over who should have access to the shipwrecks. Lost during a hurricane off the Florida Keys more than 350 years ago, the Spanish galleon Atocha has finally yielded its secrets and treasure. Fisher and his salvage crew searched the shallow waters near Key West for 16 years at a cost of four lives, eight million dollars and court battles with both federal and state governments for ownership of the Atocha's immense wealth. When Mathewson joined Fisher in 1973, he became suspect among his professional colleagues, for reputable archeologists simply did not work with treasure hunters or adventurers. He trained divers and applied the basic techniques of land archeology with notable success. Mathewson tells a compelling story of mystery and adventure, of piecing together a complex puzzle. Excellent photographs and diagrams complement the text, enabling us to go beyond the treasure for a glimpse of early 17th-century travel. See less