In the third week of September 2025, our partners from 3D Research team carried out a field validation campaign in Fourni, Greece – one of the Aegean Sea’s most fascinating underwater archaeological landscapes. This mission was one of the project’s ongoing commitments to testing and showcasing innovative technologies that help document, protect, and reimagine our shared Underwater Cultural Heritage.
Underwater Photogrammetry with ROV
The first demonstration focused on a high-precision 3D survey of one of the most relevant shipwrecks in the area, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a custom multi-camera photogrammetric system. This setup combines a stereo camera with a high-resolution imaging sensor, enabling simultaneous capture of both detailed geometry and fine textures. Thanks to real-time georeferencing, through an acoustic localization system placed on the ROV, the team was able to generate accurate 3D models of the site. These digital replicas support not only scientific analysis and long-term preservation but also open the door to future virtual reconstructions of the wreck, making it possible to explore ancient history from anywhere in the world.
Augmented Diving Experience
The second demonstration introduced a revolutionary concept for underwater exploration. The team presented an underwater tablet system capable of acoustic communication and localization, allowing divers to exchange messages, view their position in real time and access rich multimedia content about the site – all while submerged.
This technology aims to create a future where diving becomes not only an adventure, but a fully interactive, educational experience.
For this phase of testing, two archaeological locations were selected, each telling a unique story about ancient trade in the Mediterranean:
- Shipwreck 26: Located near the islet of Agios Minas (Chios), this site was discovered in 2016 and dates to the 2nd century BC. It contains the remains of a ship that once carried amphorae and fine tableware. Though partially damaged and looted, it still offers valuable insights into the Hellenistic trade network.
- Shipwreck No. 3: Found off the coast of Fourni at Aspros Kavos (White Cape), this wreck transported distinctive “carrot–shaped” amphorae produced in the ancient workshops of Sinope, on the southern Black Sea coast. Dating between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, it sheds light on long-distance connections between the Black Sea, the Aegean, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
This work successfully showcased how emerging technologies can enhance both scientific investigation and public engagement in underwater cultural heritage. By combining robotics, digital mapping, and acoustic communication, the BCThubs project continues to bridge past and future — making Europe’s submerged heritage more accessible, understandable, and alive than ever before.
