Ancient ‘Acropolis of the sea’ opens to divers

·

Hidden and protected for millennia, an ancient shipwreck in Greece opens to the public for the first time on Aug. 3, fusing archaeological wonders in the depths of the sea with the marvels of modern-day artificial intelligence.

Access to underwater sites is typically restricted in Greece to preserve their integrity. But authorities have been able to allow recreational diving at the shipwreck at Peristera, thanks to computer surveillance technology.

Underwater cameras monitor the site, and use image recognition software to alert administrators instantly if the wreck is in danger of being disturbed.

The site is located off a tiny outcrop off the Aegean island of Alonnisos, where a wooden vessel sank in the late 5th century B.C., taking with it thousands of amphorae, pointy-bottomed clay jugs used for commerce across the ancient Mediterranean.

“We were lucky to start with one of the most beautiful ancient wrecks in the world. They call it the Acropolis of sea wrecks,” said George Papalambrou, an assistant professor of power propulsion at the National Technical University of Athens.

Papalambrou, who works at the University’s School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, says the custom-made monitoring system — with solar power, recognition software and luminosity-triggered lens wipers to unclog debris — could be a template deployed to other underwater sites.

George Papalambrou, an assistant professor of power propulsion at the National Technical University of Athens. Reuters/ Costa Baltas

“The idea is to try to resemble how the human optical system, our eyes, are able to determine an object which passes in front of us,” he said.Slideshow (5 Images)

Dimitris Kourkoumelis, an underwater archaeologist at Greece’s Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, says the pilot project could make more sites accessible.

“It is the first time, and not only not just in Greece but on a pan-European level, that such a site, such a shipwreck so large with so many objects, is opening to the public and divers,” Kourkoumelis said.

A live streaming underwater video camera is seen near the the ancient shipwreck of Peristera islet, off the shores of the island of Alonnisos, Greece, March 13, 2020. Picture taken March 13, 2020. Vassilis Mentogiannis/Undersea Vision Surveillance System (NOUS) /Handout via REUTERS

Archaeologists say the wreck gives insight into commerce in the period known as the Golden Age of Athens. The 3,000-3,500 amphorae on board may have been transporting wine.

“I have dived at many sites. It was the first time I felt so emotional,” Kourkoumelis said. “Truly, its difficult to explain … it is something really impressive.”

Sourced By: Reuters

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Three Greek Australians named on Junior Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper has selected a 30-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Canberra.

NSW Government moves to strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial

The Minns Labor Government is moving to modernise outdated legislation and strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial.

EU approves €787 million in defence loans for Greece

The European Commission on Tuesday approved €787.67 million in defence loans for Greece under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program.

Family pays tribute to shark attack victim Mercury Psillakis

The family of Mercury Psillakis has described him as “impossible not to love” and a man who “placed family above everything else”.

Trump rebukes Israel over strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar

US President Donald Trump has criticised Israel after it carried out a strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, calling it an “unfortunate incident.”

You May Also Like

Cultural integration of the Greeks in Australia

From 1898, the effort began to teach the Greek language sporadically in restaurant lofts and rooms behind fish shops and bakeries.

Trade relations the focus of meeting between Greek and Australian business leaders

A recent meeting between the EBETH and Elena Limnios aimed at boosting trade and business ties between Greece and Australia.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria partners with Moray and Agnew Lawyers

“We’re proud to be supporting Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities through our partnership with ECCV,” Bill Papastergiadis said.