SKIATHOS, Underwater Survey - 2012

Skiathos, Underwater Survey. The Ephoreia of Maritime Antiquities report on a first season of survey conducted in collaboration with the ΙΓ΄ ΕΠΚΑ, the 7th EBA, and the University of Oxford (A. Gianalis). The survey covered the area of the old harbour of Skiathos, the Venetian fort (Bourtzi), Tarsanades, Platania bay and the Troullonisia, Agia Paraskevi and the area of Kechria.

At the old harbour (also the site of the ancient harbour), the ancient breakwater was located, with part of the Byzantine harbour mole preserved.

A large quantity of sherds (notably amphorae) was found in the sea around the Bourtzi and in the old harbour basin. The most significant finds, lifted from the harbour basin, were two complete 4th- and 6th-century lamps, part of a Late Roman marble relief with a tainia and acanthus, and two complete late Classical vessels.

At Tarsanades, groups of the cargo of a Late Roman shipwreck were found (Fig. 1). A short distance from the old harbour lay a Byzantine wreck carrying tiles and amphorae (Fig. 2). Just off the shore in Platania bay the severely looted cargo of a Late Roman wreck, with amphora sherds stuck to the rocks over a wide area.