Underwater research around the Greek islands of Kasos and Karpathos shed light on 26 centuries of history, the Greek Culture Ministry announced this week.
The research, carried out around the islands of Karpathos and Kasos, was led by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities in collaboration with the National Research Foundation’s Institute of Historical Research. Fieldwork has been ongoing since October 2025 as part of a broader program launched in 2019 to map underwater cultural heritage in the southeastern Aegean.
More than 120 dives, reaching depths of up to 45 meters, were conducted in northern Karpathos and around the island of Saria. Researchers documented a wide range of submerged remains dating from the late 7th century BC through the early 19th century AD.
A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of a shipwreck. Photo: Greek Culture Ministry
Among the most significant discoveries are four ancient shipwrecks and one modern wreck, along with remnants of amphorae, ancient harbor infrastructure, and more than 20 Byzantine-era anchors.
The exploration also focused on coastal areas linked to the ancient cities of Vrykountos and Nisyros, two of the four members of the historic “Karpathian Tetrapolis” described by Strabo. The island of Karpathos, referenced in the works of Homer and later inspiring Jules Verne, continues to reveal new layers of its maritime past.
The multidisciplinary mission brought together more than 40 experts, including international teams from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.
Photo: E. Diamantis / Greek Culture Ministry
Funding for the project was provided by multiple public and private organizations, including the General Secretariat for Aegean and Insular Policy and the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.
In parallel, a related initiative addressing the protection of underwater cultural heritage from climate change impacts has been completed in the waters off Kasos, including conservation work on submerged artifacts.
Photo: E Diamanti / Greek Culture Ministry
Officials say the findings significantly enhance understanding of long-term maritime activity in the region, highlighting the Aegean Sea’s enduring role as a crossroads of trade, culture, and navigation.
For the first time in Greece, these stories and many more will come to life through the incredible exhibits set to go on display at the Piraeus Museum of Underwater Antiquities, scheduled to open later this year in the country’s largest port.
