Following the recovery of wooden parts of the ship, as well as the discovery of statue fragments and ceramic findings, the second five-year programme (2021-2025) of the Underwater Archaeological Research at Antikythera has been completed.

According to the announcement by the Ministry of Culture, this year marked the fifth and final phase of the underwater excavation at the Antikythera shipwreck, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the start of this historic archaeological operation, which began in 1900-1901.

The same announcement stated, among others:

Recovery of Wooden Parts

Particular attention was given to the recovery of the fragile, articulated wooden remains of the ship's hull, discovered in 2024. These included three plank segments from the ship's outer shell (planking) and a rib (frame timber) fitted to them. This find is considered highly significant, as it is the first time a complete section of the ship’s planking has been recovered, bearing details of the vessel's construction technique.

Based on the data so far, it appears that the ship was built using the "shell first" technique, where the outer shell of the ship is constructed first, before the internal members are placed. This method is dominant in the Mediterranean area from the 4th to the 1st century BC.

Preliminary analyses indicate the use of elm and oak and date the wood, according to initial estimates, to around 235 BC.

Statue Fragments

Fragments of a statue of a nude male figure, in a contrapposto stance and in a highly fragmented condition, along with many other pieces, were uncovered and documented on site following the removal of a rock. With the exception of a marble base preserving the remains of the statue's left lower leg, life-sized, the recovery of the fragments was not possible due to their entrapment in very hard marine encrustations.

The diversity of the amphora cargo

The discovery of Chian amphorae from two different areas of the wreck reveals a greater typological diversity than previously recorded based on the research. In addition to the ceramic finds, a clay mortar (basin with spout), a vessel for mashing and mixing food, provides valuable information about dietary practices and daily life on board.

Advanced diving technology and documentation

As in 2024, the use of closed-circuit regulators with mixed gases improved the efficiency and safety of diving. The underwater investigations were monitored and coordinated in real time thanks to remote-controlled underwater vehicles supplied by Hublot Xplorations.

The research programme of the last five years (2021-2025) was implemented by the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece, under the supervision of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture. The field research was conducted by the University of Geneva with a team of archaeologist-divers, which was complemented by the participation of the underwater missions unit of the Hellenic Coast Guard (Special Diving Team).