The initial four-year survey of Phournoi (2015-2018) primarily served as an exploratory mission. Its objectives encompassed the identification, documentation, and academic study of ancient, medieval, and post-Byzantine shipwrecks within the Phournoi island complex. To date, the team has identified and cataloged 58 shipwrecks, alongside a substantial collection of individual artifacts and jettisoned cargo.
During the 2020 research campaign, the team concentrated on enhancing the documentation of previously identified wrecks. Special attention was given to cleaning these wrecks of marine flora and subsequently employing photogrammetry techniques to capture their current state. The eastern coasts of Phournoi and the island of Agios Minas received particular focus, with wrecks numbered 7, 12, 15, and 30 being of notable interest due to the diversity and extent of their cargo.
Notably, wreck no. 12, located off the northern shores of Ag. Minas, yielded two previously unrecorded amphora types. These amphorae are typologically linked to Black Sea production centers, suggesting a reevaluation of the wreck’s dating to the 5th century A.D. Additionally, wreck no. 7, which had previously yielded Chian amphorae from the mid-4th century BC and a decorated louterion, produced one of the three extant intact pithoi. The interior of this vessel contained a black glazed fish-plate, corroborating the initial dating estimates for this wreck.
The extensive anchorage area adjacent to the settlement of Kamari on Phournoi’s eastern side was further surveyed, resulting in the photographic documentation of numerous anchors dating from the Hellenistic period to the 19th century. Additionally, a limited quantity of plain pottery was recovered from the submerged settlement south of Kamari’s coast. Preliminary analysis suggests that this pottery dates back to the middle Roman period (2nd-3rd century AD), indicating the settlement’s earliest phase.
The research engaged a team of 26 diving experts specializing in various disciplines, including archaeology, architecture, topography, conservation, professional diving, photography, and students. The overall direction of the research was overseen by Dr. Giorgos Koutsouflakis of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. Financial backing for the project was generously provided by the Municipality of Phournoi/Korseon, the Foundation of Historical and Archaeological Research “Korseai,” as well as various domestic and international corporate sponsors.