Tales from Under the Mediterranean with With Maritime Archaeologist Bob Hohlfelder

Join Ocean First for an extraordinary evening with Bob Hohlfelder, Professor Emeritus and former chair of the Department of History at the University of Colorado Boulder. With a career spanning over 50 years, Bob has been at the forefront of maritime archaeology—evolving from the early days of surplus US Navy SCUBA gear to exploring the deep in state-of-the-art submersibles.

In this exclusive local talk, Bob will share captivating, firsthand accounts from over 50 maritime expeditions across Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Turkey. Whether you’re a history buff, a diving enthusiast, or a proud CU Boulder alum, you won't want to miss these incredible stories of discovery beneath the waves.

⚓ Presentation Highlights:

The Evolution of Exploration: Hear how salvage was transformed into science over five decades of fieldwork.

Underwater Mysteries: Learn about the "levitating" Roman cargo amphoras found in a Cypriot cave.

Ancient Engineering: Discover the first evidence of Roman engineering in the sea at Caesarea Maritima.

Deep-Sea Drama: Relive two harrowing moments 1,000+ feet below the surface in a two-person submersible.

Sunken Treasures: The story behind finding a massive cache of 4th-century AD glass panels in Greece.

👤 About the Speaker:

Bob Hohlfelder is a world-renowned expert in ancient maritime history and Roman engineering. He has authored nine books, presented over 160 papers in 13 countries, and served as a mission expert for UNESCO and the National Geographic Society.

📅 Event Details & Location

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Ocean First Travel Center

Address: 637-V South Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305

Admission: Free

Local Tip: Located in the Table Mesa Shopping Center. Perfect for a pre-lecture dinner or drink at one of South Boulder's local spots!