ANTIKYTHERA UNDERWATER SURVEY - 2013

Antikythera underwater survey. A. Simosi (Ephoreia of Maritime Antiquities) in collaboration with Th. Theodoulou (Ephoreia of Maritime Antiquities) and B. Foley (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) reports on a further survey season which indicated the likelihood that two ships sank in the location of the renowned Antikythera wreck of 67 BC. Both were engaged in transporting Greek luxury goods to Rome. The discovery of part of a lead anchor in 2012 (ID 2909) indicates that the ship to which it belonged probably sank unexpectedly during a storm. The prow lies in a deeper, as yet unapproachable location. The hold contained amphorae, vessel sherds and tiles, as well as tens of cemented items.

An area ca. 65km from the coast of the two western capes of Crete (Gramvousa and Rodopos) and the entire 30km circuit of Antikythera was mapped to an absolute depth of 120m. Six ancient shipwrecks were located off Crete. Three of these were Roman – one laden with over 100 tons of stone blocks, the second with amphorae and tablewares, and the third with African amphorae. Of the remainder, two carried Middle Byzantine amphorae and the third a cargo of unidentified pierced stones. In addition, the remains of a modern metal vessel were found, plus a 19^th-century wreck probably to be identified with HMS Cambrian (sunk while bombarding pirates in the castle of Gramvousa in January 1828).