The 2024 expedition to the Antikythera shipwreck took place from May 17 to June 20 as part of the ongoing 2021–2025 research program by the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece, supervised by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Greek Ministry of Culture. Favorable weather conditions allowed significant progress in the field, resulting in numerous findings, notably a crucial part of the ship's hull.
For the first time since its discovery by Symian sponge divers in 1900, a systematic scientific approach led by Dr. Angeliki G. Simosi and Professor Lorenz Baumer aims to better understand the famous shipwreck site and reassess one of antiquity's richest ship cargoes. The research raises new questions: Was there only one ship involved in this ancient maritime tragedy? How exactly did the shipwreck occur? Were the human remains found in recent years those of passengers or crew members?
Key Techniques and Findings
To answer these questions, various techniques were employed:
Database and GIS System: Developed in previous years, these tools aided in planning and feedback.
Remote-Controlled Vehicles: Provided real-time monitoring and coordination of underwater operations and helped create digital 3D models of selected areas.
Specialized Underwater Survey Methodology: Applied across the wreck site, which spans two distinct artifact concentrations 200 meters apart (Areas "A" and "B"). This included documenting and analyzing utility ceramics and storage vessels, with select samples recovered for further study.
New Limited-Intervention Excavation Method: Targeted 2x2 m zones, with collected sediments preliminary studied in a microgeoarchaeological field lab, enabling accurate stratigraphic observations and highlighting the site's complexity.
Rich Discoveries
The ongoing excavations in Areas "A" and "B" yielded about 300 objects or object groups, including:
21 marble fragments (18 from statues)
Numerous ship hull fragments
Over 200 ceramic fragments
Several geoarchaeological samples
Notable Hull Discovery
The most significant 2024 find is a structural part of the ship's hull, revealing crucial shipbuilding features. A section of the ship’s planking with transverse reinforcements was found, preserving the original bronze nails and protective lead coating. This discovery clarifies the ship's construction and prompts questions about whether more than one ship sank at Antikythera.
Additional Wreck Site
A secondary site (Area "B") is under investigation due to its ceramic similarities with Area "A". Recent findings confirm the presence of another wooden ship beneath the cargo remains, prompting further analysis to understand the relationship between Areas "A" and "B".
Marble and Ceramic Analysis
Marble fragments found suggest a concentration of sculptural artworks in Area "A", with differences in quality indicating various statues. Detailed analysis of amphorae types revealed a prevalence of Koan, Rhodian, and Ephesian amphorae, along with a surprising number of Lamboglia 2 amphorae, classified into three subtypes. New types of amphorae from Chios and Rhodian amphorae with twisted handles were discovered in Area "B".
Conclusion
The 2024 field survey at the Antikythera shipwreck has significantly advanced our understanding of the site, uncovering new artifacts and posing new questions about the ship's story. With ongoing analysis and future excavations, more light will be shed on this ancient maritime tragedy.
For more information: Return to Antikythera Program
