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How did Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s scuba equipment help advance underwater archaeology?

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Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s development of the scuba apparatus, specifically the Aqua-Lung, was a transformative advancement for underwater archaeology. By allowing divers to swim freely and remain submerged for extended periods, this technology enabled researchers to move beyond the limitations of surface-supplied or helmeted diving equipment.12

This newfound mobility facilitated the transition of archaeological techniques—such as observation, discovery, and precise recording—from land-based sites to the seafloor. Cousteau’s own pioneering excavation at Le Grand Congloué near Marseille demonstrated the practical application of these tools, setting a precedent for future underwater investigations. His innovation paved the way for significant archaeological milestones, including the discovery and mapping of ancient shipwrecks by researchers like George Bass and Peter Throckmorton, who utilized scuba to conduct systematic excavations of sites that were previously inaccessible or difficult to document.1