A large-scale underwater archaeological survey around Karpathos in the south-eastern Aegean has uncovered findings spanning over 2,600 years, from the late 7th century BC to the first half of the 19th century AD.
The research was carried out in the wider area of northern Karpathos and the neighbouring island of Saria, involving over 120 dives at depths ranging from 3 to 45 metres. The mission identified and documented a diverse range of submerged cultural remains from different historical periods.
Among the most significant discoveries are four ancient shipwrecks and one more recent wreck, along with commercial amphorae, remnants of ancient harbour infrastructure, and over 20 Byzantine anchors. These anchors, together with the rich settlement and ecclesiastical remains of Tristomo, highlight the area's importance during Late Antiquity.
The survey marks the first systematic underwater archaeological investigation conducted on the island. Researchers explored sites where visible remains of ancient Vrykous and Nisyros survive - two of the four cities that formed the so-called "tetrapolis of Karpathos."
The project has been ongoing since 2019 and is led by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the National Hellenic Research Foundation. Its main aim is to map underwater cultural heritage across the south-eastern Aegean. The initiative is funded through a mixture of public and private sources, including Greek state agencies and international foundations.
Over 40 scientists from various disciplines participated in the latest mission, including archaeologists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History and staff from the Norwegian Maritime Museum, reflecting the project's international scope.
Meanwhile, a related initiative titled "Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change" has also been completed as part of the same multi-year programme. This involved underwater conservation work on historic finds in the sea area of Kasos, funded by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.
