Antikythera Shipwreck Treasures Unveiled in Athens Exhibition

08:47 22/11/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A groundbreaking exhibition showcasing over 80 artifacts from the famed Antikythera Shipwreck opened on November 18 at the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation in Athens.

The event marks the most comprehensive display yet of findings from the ancient wreck, encompassing results from recent underwater excavations conducted between 2012 and 2024.

The artifacts shed light on the ship's structure, equipment,

cargo, and passengers. Among the highlights are bronze rings used for sail management, lead rings linked to its five anchors, and wooden planks from the ship's hull, offering unprecedented insights into the vessel's construction.

The exhibition also unveils, for the first time, the results of 12 years of archaeological research into the ship’s rigging.

The collection features a wide range of objects, including amphorae, spears, glassware, jewelry, and a vast array of ceramics that map the ship's trading routes through significant ancient ports such as Kos and Rhodes.

Notable among the discoveries is a marble head of Hercules, adorned with a vine crown, believed to belong to the same statue as the headless Farnese-type Hercules in the National Archaeological Museum, which was salvaged in 1901 by Symian sponge divers.

Human remains discovered at the wreck site also provide a poignant glimpse into the lives of those aboard. Other items, such as parts of a flute, gaming pieces, and olive pits, paint a vivid picture of life during the voyage.

The exhibition, entitled “The Antikythera Shipwreck: 124 Years of Underwater Archaeological Research,” is housed in the ground floor of the foundation's historic library. The artifacts are displayed across themed sections, with ship components in one area, remnants of daily life and personal belongings in another, and cargo items dominating the main hall.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni inaugurated the exhibition, emphasizing its importance in advancing our understanding of ancient maritime trade and technology.

Curated by Dr. Angeliki Simosi, the exhibition is supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities.

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