The 2025 excavation season at the legendary Antikythera shipwreck unearthed significant new discoveries, giving a glimpse into ancient shipbuilding, trade, and life at sea in the Mediterranean.
Cleaning and documenting the wooden parts of the hull before its recovery. Credit: Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG)
From May 23 to June 20, the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG), under the supervision of Greece’s Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, led an international underwater archaeological campaign. Fieldwork was led by Professor Lorenz Baumer of the University of Geneva and Dr. Angeliki Simosi, Honorary Director of Antiquities. They were supported by diver-archaeologists and the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Underwater Missions Unit.
One of the most dramatic recoveries was a still-connected set of hull fragments: three outer planks attached to an internal frame, a rare discovery first identified in 2024 and excavated this year using a specially designed support system. The wooden fragments—likely elm and oak—measuring about 0.40 meters wide and 0.70 meters long, have been preliminarily dated to about 235 BCE. Their construction confirms the use of the “shell-first” method, a process prevalent between the 4th and 1st centuries BCE, in which the outside shell was built before the internal framework.
Artifacts recovered from the Antikythera shipwreck. Credit: Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG)
This method was essential to Mediterranean shipbuilding and raises new questions due to the unusually thin planks—under 5 centimeters—compared to those discovered by Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1976. Researchers are currently investigating whether these fragments were from the upper part of the ship, a later repair, or even a smaller companion vessel.
Recovery of archaeological objects. Credit: Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG)
Additional wood fragments were located near the site first visited by Cousteau, often in conjunction with lead, copper, and tar substances. These are evidence that the shipwreck holds important clues to caulking and ship maintenance in ancient times.
The campaign also revealed artistic artifacts. In removing a rock, fragments of a naked male statue in the classic contrapposto pose were revealed. The only part that was retrievable was the marble base, featuring the lower part of the left leg. The rest remains embedded in marine concretions and is to be recovered in the future.
Recovery of archaeological objects. Credit: Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG)
The ship’s cargo continues to amaze archaeologists. This year, Chian amphorae were discovered dispersed over two different zones, indicative of greater typological variety than previously believed. One of the most intriguing discoveries was a terracotta mortar with a spout, perhaps for grinding or mixing foodstuffs. It is an unusual find and provides insight into culinary life on ancient ships.
Similar to the 2024 expedition, closed-circuit rebreathers and real-time underwater monitoring by underwater drones provided by Hublot Xplorations were used to improve diver safety and operational efficiency. The site was meticulously documented by 3D pH๏τogrammetry and incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS), making it possible for researchers to correlate new discoveries with past campaigns. A mobile field laboratory stationed on the island of Antikythera facilitated immediate analysis.
Recovery of archaeological objects. Credit: Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG)
The discoveries lend substance to the Antikythera wreck’s status as one of the most significant underwater archaeological sites in the world.
As the research continues, the data and artifacts of the 2025 season will surely add depth to the scholarly understanding of ancient Mediterranean sea culture, while also preserving a fragile heritage slowly surfacing from the bottom of the sea.
