Underwater archaeological excavations continued in 2025 at the historic Mentor shipwreck, located off the port of Avlemonas on the island of Kythera. The research is carried out by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Greek Ministry of Culture and is directed by archaeologist Dr. Dimitris Kourkoumelis-Rodostamos.
The Mentor is one of the most historically significant shipwrecks in the eastern Mediterranean, as it was used by Lord Elgin to transport antiquities from Greece, including part of the sculptural decoration removed from the Acropolis monuments.
The Shipwreck of the Mentor
The brig sank in September 1802 after striking rocks near Kythera while carrying a cargo of antiquities destined for Britain.
Shortly after the wreck, sponge divers were hired to recover the cargo. Because accessing the ship’s hold was difficult, they opened an entry through the ship’s hull, which likely accelerated the destruction of much of the vessel’s structure.
Over time, the exposed wooden hull deteriorated on the seabed, leaving only limited structural remains around the wreck site.
The 2025 Underwater Excavation
During the latest excavation season, archaeologists investigated areas west and north of the surviving remains of the ship’s keel.
Two excavation trenches were opened to determine whether additional parts of the ship’s structure had survived.
The first trench, located about five meters west of the preserved hull remains, reached a depth of roughly one meter below the seabed but did not reveal any additional wooden remains of the ship.
A second trench was opened north of the keel. While structural elements of the ship were not found there either, archaeologists uncovered several objects associated with the vessel’s equipment as well as fragments of everyday utensils used onboard.
Discovery of lead connectors
The marble decorative drop in situ and its lifting by a team of divers.
Artifacts from the Wreck
Among the most interesting finds were fragments of the ship’s copper sheathing, which once protected the hull below the waterline.
Researchers also identified pieces of lead sheets that reinforced the lower part of the hull and keel.
Another discovery was a fragment of a ceramic plate, likely related to the insulation of the ship’s cooking hearth.
However, the most significant find from the 2025 excavation was a marble decorative fragment that may belong to architectural elements taken from the Acropolis monuments.
The fragment appears to be part of a marble slab with a decorative “drop” motif that resembles elements described in studies of the Parthenon’s architectural decoration.
This is the first time that a sculptural fragment linked to the valuable cargo of the Mentor has been discovered during underwater excavations at the site.
Why the Discovery Matters
The shipwreck of the Mentor remains one of the most controversial and historically important underwater archaeological sites in Greece.
The vessel was directly connected to the transportation of antiquities removed from the Acropolis by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.
Every new discovery from the wreck offers additional insight into the events surrounding the transport of the Parthenon sculptures and the early attempts to recover them after the shipwreck.
What Happens Next
Conservation work and further study of the newly discovered marble fragment are expected to provide more information about the monument from which it originated.
Underwater research at the Mentor shipwreck continues to bring new pieces of the story to light, offering archaeologists and divers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most historically charged wreck sites in the Mediterranean.
Quick Facts
Ship: Brig Mentor
Year of sinking: 1802
Location: Avlemonas, Kythera (Greece)
Historical connection: Transport of antiquities for Lord Elgin
Latest excavation: 2025 underwater archaeological campaign
Key discovery: Marble decorative fragment possibly linked to Acropolis sculptures
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