Chryssanthi Papadopoulou
Current Research
My current research focuses on the identification and study of natural and
cultural site formation processes on ancient shipwrecks. These processes include all
of the human actions, environmental factors and natural occurrences that result in a
shipwreck and its subsequent condition on the seafloor. They constitute one key area
of investigation in maritime archaeology and are crucial for the advancement of
shipwreck studies. This project represents the first attempt to construct a comparative
model for the study of such processes on ancient wreck sites.
The shipwreck this research uses as its case study is the fourth-century
Mazotos wreck in Cyprus, which is currently being excavated by the University of
Cyprus under the direction of Dr Stella Demesticha. The site lies at a depth of -45m
and consists of an assemblage of approximately 500-800 visible amphorae, which
appear to preserve the shape of the vessel. This wreck has not been looted nor are its
remains scattered; it is therefore exceptionally suitable for this kind of study.
This project is interdisciplinary in nature, integrating research methods and
results from various fields: archaeology, surveying, oceanography and marine
biology. The project’s activities include archaeological fieldwork, liaison with
different scientific teams, library research and publications. This project is an integral
part of the study of the Mazotos shipwreck, yet aims at the development of an
interdisciplinary shipwreck excavation methodology with wide applicability to
ancient wreck sites.
Previous Research
In my PhD thesis I identified the changes that Athenian state religion
underwent as a result of a fifth-century military achievement, the establishment of a
state-operated navy. Drawing evidence from Classical pottery iconography,
inscriptions, temple architecture and decoration, and the ancient authors, I associated
and interpreted the introduction and alteration of cults with contemporary military and
thus socio-political events. Currently, I am revising my thesis for publication and I am
focusing on religion theory and, particularly, on whether Greek polytheism should be
perceived and analysed as a systemic religion.
Studies
2006-2010 King’s College London: PhD “The navy in fifth-century Athens: evidence
from Athenian religion.”
PhD studies fully funded by the Greek Archaeological Committee UK.
2004-2005 University of Southampton: MSc in Maritime Archaeology.
1999-2003 National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: BA in Archaeology and
Art History.
2001-2002 Queen’s University Belfast: Socrates-Erasmus Student, Byzantine Studies.
Involvement in underwater survey and excavation projects
Mazotos Shipwreck Project, University of Cyprus: 2011-present (Assistant Director).
Excavation of a Classical shipwreck.
Hellenic Institute of Marine Archaeology: Member and diving archaeologist at three
continuing projects 2005-present:
1. Pagasitikos Gulf Project: excavation of a Late Roman shipwreck.
2. Argolikos Gulf Project: extensive survey and excavation of a Mycenaean
shipwreck.
3. Southern Euboean Gulf Project: extensive survey and excavation of a Roman
shipwreck.
Zea Harbour Project, Danish Institute at Athens: 2006-2009 (Field Director).
Excavation and mapping of the Classical naval facilities in the harbours of Zea and
Mounichia.
Participation in underwater excavation projects
Fisterra project, Spain: Archeonauta S.L.: 2011-2012. Mapping and excavation of a
sixteenth-century Spanish galleon.
Kythnos, University of Thessaly: 2006-2007. Excavation of a Classical harbour.
Selected Publications
2010. ‘The Athenian fleet and the iconography of Aphrodite on pottery’, in A.C.
Smith & S. Pickup (eds.) Brill’s companion to Aphrodite. Leiden: Brill: 217-233.
In press: ‘Transforming the surroundings and its impact on cult rituals: the case study
of Artemis Mounichia in the fifth century’, in C. Weiss & C. Moser (eds.) Locating
the Sacred: theoretical approaches to the emplacement of religion. Providence:
Joukowsky Institute Publication Series: 184-214.
In press: Koutsouflakis, G.; Argyri, X.; Papadopoulou, C. & Sapountzis, I.
‘Υποβρύχια Επιφανειακή Έρευνα στο Νότιο Ευβοϊκό 2006-2008’ (Underwater survey
in the Southern Euboean Gulf 2006-2008)’, Enalia, the Journal of the Hellenic
Institute of Marine Archaeology XI.