Research project

Maritime Archaeology of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Project overview

The Mexican-American War (1846-48) dramatically marked the future of both countries involved but it is relatively understudied by the archaeology of both nations, and the all-important maritime aspects only ever mentioned tangentially. The only exception is the case of the US’ siege of the port of Veracruz. This project foregrounds the maritime aspects of this war, examining the strategies of each side in the context of the knowledge each side had regarding the coastal and riverine environment where the conflict took place. The project uses archaeological data to deepen knowledge and understanding of a conflict that changed the socio-political and economic configuration of the Americas in the 19th century.

Staff

Lead researchers

Professor Jonathan Adams BA DPhil MIfA FSA FRSA

Professor of Archaeology

Research interests

  • the chronology and impact of environmental change on later prehistoric human populations in the Black Sea region
  • maritime connectivity in the Black Sea
  • ships as tools of Early Modern state-building
Connect with Jonathan

Research outputs