A total of ten shipwrecks as well as important individual finds, dating back to prehistory (3000 BC), the Classical period (460 BC), the Hellenistic period (100 BC to 100 AD) and the Roman period (200 BC – 300 AD), the Byzantine period (800 – 900 AD), the Byzantine period (800 – 900 AD) and the Roman period (200 BC – 300 AD).

The findings from the Medieval and Ottoman periods were identified during the multi-year underwater archaeological research in the marine area of Kassos, which started in 2019 and was completed in October 2023.

The research team of the National Hellenic Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture carried out four research expeditions to areas of special interest, utilising archaeological and historical evidence, sources, testimonies and reports on the island of Kassos, from Homer’s Iliad to modern times.

The findings were recorded and documented using modern scientific methods, while sampling of archaeological objects was carried out, the study of which provides new information and archaeological data, aspects of the history of Kassos and the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean.

Sunken remains of ancient ships carrying merchandise from Spain, Italy, Africa and the coast of Asia Minor were brought to light by an interdisciplinary team of Greek and foreign researchers and professors, diving archaeologists, historians, architects, surveyors, conservators, geologists, biologists, craftsmen, graduate students, PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers and other specialists.

See photos from the surveys

The survey concluded in 2023 with the fourth research expedition between 10 and 26 October, which focused on documenting the archaeological material.

Using modern technological equipment, more than 20,000 underwater photographs were taken, which were used to study and compile digital images of the wrecks and finds, providing a wealth of primary data to the international scientific community.

Thorough study of the material at depths from -20m to -47m has brought to light unique finds, including:

– Spanish Dressel 20 type amphora with a seal on its handle dating between 150-170 AD,
– drinking vessels,
– terra sigillata flasks, belonging to the Roman period with African origins,
– a stone anchor from the Archaic period
– and other important archaeological evidence.

At the same time, the mapping and bathymetry of the Kasos-Karpathos reef and the area of Karpatholimnion was carried out for the first time, using a side-scanning sonar. Finally, the remains of a shipwreck of the modern period, probably of the World War II era, were identified. It is a wooden boat with metal elements, the size of which is estimated at 25m-30m.

“Diving in the History of the Aegean”.

The underwater research in Kassos was the subject of an original film production by AORI FILMS entitled “Diving in the History of the Aegean”.

The film has already been selected for participation in the competition section of leading, international archaeological film festivals, including The Archaeology Channel International Film Festival in America and Firenze Archeofilm Festival in Europe.

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The assessment of the overall research, enriched with original studies by historians, archaeologists, conservators and other scholars will be the subject of a foreign-language edited volume planned to be published in late 2024 by the National Research Foundation.

In June 2024, it is planned to extend the research to the marine area of Karpathos, which is a single geographical entity with Kassos.

The research project (2019-2023) was funded by the Municipality of the Heroic Island of Kassos, TERNA ENERGY, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, the Cassian Brotherhood of America, MaP Ltd, Hellenic Supermarkets Sklavenitis SA, Carton Hoye, Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation, TEKAL SA, REVOIL SA, Trip Tailors SA and private individuals.

At the same time the research was supported by the Municipality of Heroic Island of Kasos, the companies Asso.subsea, HELLENiQ ENERGY, Blue Star Ferries, Apnea, MaP, Hellenic Cables, Aquatec, Eurobrokers, as well as the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency OFYPEKA and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.