Antikythera Shipwreck: new findings and technologies in the latest phase of investigations
The second five-year research programme (2021-2025) of underwater archaeological investigations at the Antikythera Shipwreck has concluded. This marks the fifth and final phase of a multi-year expedition that coincides with the 125th anniversary of the iconic 1900-1901 excavation.
One of the most notable discoveries of this season is the delicate wooden fragments of the ship’s hull, which were first identified in 2024. These include three sections of masts from the ship’s hull and a modified mainsail. For the first time, a complete section of the hull’s skin has been recovered, revealing intricate details about the ship’s construction technique. It appears the ship was built using the shell-first method, where the outer shell was constructed before the ship’s interior components – a common technique in the Mediterranean region from the 4th to the 1st century BC.
Preliminary analyses suggest that elm and oak were used in the ship’s construction, with the first dating estimates placing the wood around 235 BC. The recovered section measures approximately 0.40 x 0.70 m, with a wood thickness of less than 0.05 m. This contrasts significantly with previous findings from Jacques-Yves Cousteau, prompting new questions about whether this could be a higher section of the vessel, a repair, or even a secondary smaller companion ship. The debris was carefully lifted with a supporting structure for safe transport.
More wooden debris was found in situ, along with inorganic materials such as lead and copper, and organic remains like tar, near the site investigated in 1976 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Antikythera Shipwreck: Sculpture Fragments
Upon removing a large rock from the seabed, the team discovered fragments of a life-size naked male statue in a contrapposto pose. Although documented on site, they were unable to retrieve these fragments due to their deep entanglement in hard marine aggregates. However, they did manage to recover a marble plinth bearing part of the statue’s left lower limb.
The discovery of Chian amphorae in two different parts of the wreck suggests a greater diversity in the typological character of the cargo than previously observed. Among the new finds is a clay igneous basin – a bowl within a basin – used for mashing and mixing food, shedding light on the diet and daily life practices on board.
Antikythera Shipwreck: Advanced Diving and Documentation Technologies
This year’s excavation season once again employed closed-circuit diving equipment with a gas mixture, improving safety and work efficiency. Investigations were monitored in real time using Hublot Xplorations’ remote-controlled submersibles, and the field laboratory was re-established in the Antikythera River, where preliminary analyses were conducted. The survey’s progression was meticulously recorded using 3D photogrammetric models, which, along with drawings and photographs, were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS).
The Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (EASE) carried out this ambitious five-year project (2021-2025), under the oversight of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project’s scientific guidance was provided by Dr. Angeliki G. Simossi, an Honorary Curator of Antiquities, and Prof. Lorenz E. Baumer from the University of Geneva. Field supervision was entrusted to Dr. Patrizia Birchler Emery, also from the University of Geneva, and architect-engineer Aikaterini Tagonidou. The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities’ diving operations were overseen by diving technician Athina Patsourou. Alexandros Sotiriou, from the University of Geneva, coordinated the diving team, while Yannis Bitsakis, affiliated with the University of Geneva and Nereus Research, managed the expedition’s organization.
Specialists from the University of Geneva conducted the detailed documentation, with technical backing from Hublot Xplorations. The Special Diving Team of the Hellenic Coast Guard also participated in the project.
