The Greek Ministry of Culture announced a series of underwater discoveries in the seas surrounding Karpathos, in the south-east Aegean, on Tuesday. Conducted in October 2025, this systematic mission is part of an ongoing strategic program launched in 2019 to map the submerged cultural heritage of the Aegean.
During this first systematic underwater survey of the island, an international team of researchers dove into the waters of Vrykous and Nisyros. These sites represent two of the four ancient cities that once formed the famed “Karpathos Tetrapolis,” as documented by Strabo in Geographica.
Unearthing 26 centuries of history through underwater discoveries off Karpathos
With over 120 dives reaching depths of up to 45 meters (147 ft) around northern Karpathos and the islet of Saria, the team documented cultural remains spanning more than 2,600 years. The findings stretch from the Archaic period (late 7th century BC) to the mid-19th century AD. Key discoveries, which highlight the area’s strategic importance during Late Antiquity when combined with nearby ecclesiastical and residential ruins include:
- Five shipwrecks: Four ancient vessels and one from the modern era
- Ancient port infrastructure: Submerged ruins that redefine our understanding of regional trade
- Maritime cargo: A vast array of commercial transport jars (amphorae)
- Byzantine anchors: Over twenty anchors identified near Tristomo
A global scientific collaboration
The mission brought together more than forty specialists from around the world, including a dedicated team from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and experts from the Norwegian Maritime Museum (NMM).
In tandem with the excavations, the team completed an innovative pilot program titled “Protecting Underwater Cultural Heritage from the Effects of Climate Change.” Supported by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, this project focused on the underwater “in-situ” conservation of historical artifacts in the seas of Kasos (south of Karpathos), ensuring that these treasures remain preserved despite shifting environmental conditions.
Related: Amphora Found by Fisherman in Greek Waters Points to Ancient Shipwreck
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