State of the World from NPR Racing to Save a Ukrainian Archaeological Site Exposed by the War
Nov 7, 2025
Hanna Palomarenko, an NPR reporter known for her on-the-ground coverage, shares her experience at Hortitsa Island, where archaeologists are racing against time to preserve an 18th-century shipwreck exposed by war. She introduces an international team tackling the challenges of excavation amid security risks from the front line. The podcast highlights the urgent preservation of historical artifacts, the emotional resonance of their work, and the connection to Ukraine's national identity in the face of conflict.
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War Exposes Fragile Centuries-Old Shipwreck
- The Hortitsa island site revealed an 18th-century troop transport exposed after a dam's destruction, linking current war to deep historical conflicts.
- Conservators must act fast because waterlogged wood deteriorates rapidly once exposed to air.
Keep Waterlogged Wood Submerged
- Archaeologists removed wooden fragments and immediately submerged them in water to prevent drying and collapse.
- Conservators should keep excavated waterlogged timbers wet until proper treatment can begin.
Excavation Amid Active Bombardment
- The team worked near Zaporizhia, a city frequently hit by Russian bombs and missiles during their three-week stay.
- Despite air alerts and attacks, international archaeologists judged the rescue of history worth the risk.