Archaeology in the Aegean
June 30, 2006
An international team of scientists and engineers embarked on the Greek research vessel Aegaeo June 25 for a ten-day survey in local waters. Project PHAEDRA, for Partnership for Hellenic-American Exploration in the Deep Regions of the Aegean, will pursue three areas of inquiry: archaeology in deep water, deep submergence technology development, and oceanographic science. Using advanced deep submergence technology, the team plans to document statistically significant numbers of ancient shipwrecks from various periods to reach new insights about human history and pre-history. PHAEDRA researchers will also investigate geological and geochemical features such as hydrothermal vents, methane seeps, and brine pools to better understand the processes at work in the deep sea. The expedition ends July 4.
(?Chios 2005 Shipwreck Survey: -Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities; and Hellenic Center for Marine Research)