Dramatic developments in our exploration of underwater ruins have opened up a whole new worldundefinedliterally and figuratively. Thanks to advances in remote sensing, robotics, and scientific techniques, researchers can explore deeper regions of the ocean floor. Smithsonian curators William Fitzhugh and Dennis Stanford are at the forefront of underwater archaeological exploration.

Today, Fitzhugh, Stanford, and two of their archaeology colleagues reveal exciting discoveries from underwater sites that inform us about life and cultures as far back as 23,000 years ago.