Join Dr Dimitris Kourkoumelis (Hellenic Ministry of Culture) for a discussion about their talk The Mentor Shipwreck
Webinar summary:
The island of Kythera, situated at the western boundary of the Eastern Mediterranean, has always been one of the most common maritime passages for accessing the Western Mediterranean. Evidence collected during recent underwater surveys, excavations, as well as a number of accidental finds - especially from fishermen, are proofs of this continuous marine activity throughout time. The accumulation and the evaluation of all this information, although often sporadic and incomplete, gives us the opportunity to understand the timelessness, the risks and the difficulties of navigation and life on board in general. Moreover, it outlines the importance of specific landscapes and geographical landmarks for all mariners, such as the island of Kythera.
The systematic underwater excavation (2009, 2011-2022) at the wreck of the brig Mentor conducted by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, focused mainly on the section of the hull that is still well preserved. In addition were collected information about the passengers, the crew and the cargo of the ship. The brig, owned by Lord Elgin, was carrying part of the antiquities and sculptures removed from the Acropolis monuments and sank off the small port of Avlemonas on the island of Kythera, on September 1802. The artefacts that have been recovered can be identified as objects for navigation, parts of the ship’s rigging, ornamentation of the ship armature, objects used for daylife on board, personal belongings of the passengers and the crew and finally objects that possibly can be related to the shipload, such as a few ancient coins, part of an Egyptian pharaonic statue and a fragment of an Egyptian marble inscription.
All are very welcome. Free to attend.
Discussants:
Dr Dimitris Kourkoumelis (Hellenic Ministry of Culture)
Dr Chrysanthi Gallou (University of Nottingham)
Professor William Cavanagh (University of Nottingham)
The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Register for this event on Microsoft Teams now to receive an email link for this event.