Ancient Stone Anchors found off Paphos

Archaeologist from the UK have reported finding a large collection of stone anchors (most likely from the Bronze Age) off the coast of Paphos in Cyprus. The find is of great importance as it is now the largest collection of stone anchors to be found in the same area and could shed light on the role of Paphos in ancient maritime trade, and could also confirm the importance of Palaipaphos' sanctuary to Aphrodite for pilgims from around the Mediterranean. Click on link to read article from the Cyprus Mail.

The Black Sea Shipwreck Research Project

The Black Sea Shipwreck Research Project is under way and here is the link that will bring you up to date on our activities. Check it out!

The Black Sea Shipwreck Research Project

An interesting project we will be taking part in this year! Here's a link to the Black Sea Shipwreck Research Project 2006.

More on the Antikythera Mechanism

Recent research suggests that the device was in fact used to predict planetary movements.

Ballard to survey off Crete

"A Nice Reward"

A Greek fisherman nets bronze worth gold. Read article.

The Argo is back

I've been busy discovering some of the less well-known archaeological sites (land sites)of Attiki these days and haven't been posting much but then again ...... (censured).... Of course, there's been a personnel change at the Department of Underwater Antiquities which might bring about some other changes - we'll see.
In the meantime the only piece of news is that a group of shipbuilders in Volos are working hard at the moment trying to build the mythical ship 'Argo' used by Jason to go after the Golden Fleece. I'm not quite sure how much of a role science is actually playing in this project but it should be interesting to see the result. Apparently, the ship is being built based on vase and wall paintings.
Click title above for link to CNN article.

Deep-sea robot photographs ancient Greek shipwreck

Overseas Greek archaeological institute to open in Rome

Greece's first overseas archaeological institute, set to operate in Rome, will open its doors in late January 2006, the government reiterated on Thursday.
Similar state-supported institutes are planned for Cyprus, the Ukraine, Albania, Alexandria and Romania, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis said on Thursday, during a briefing of reporters.

Meanwhile, in response to a relevant question, Tatoulis referred to a second letter received by the government from the US-based Getty Museum, following Athens' demand for the return of four ancient artifacts held by the museum, items believed to have been illegally excavated and shipped out of the country.

He said Athens' next steps in its case for the artifacts will be determined next month.

This article is taken for Athens News Agency: address above.

More news of ancient shipwrecks in Cypriot waters