Paros, Cyclades, Greece

Paros Amphora Site

Off the south coast of Paros lies a small cluster of ancient transport amphorae partially embedded in a sandy slope between roughly 18 and 25 metres. The amphorae are believed to date from the Hellenistic and early Roman period, scattered from a long-decomposed merchant vessel; the wooden hull is gone but the ceramic cargo remains, partly buried, partly upright. Under Greek antiquities law these objects are state property and the entire site is classified as an underwater archaeological zone. Diving is permitted only with licensed Cycladic dive operators who hold the appropriate cultural-ministry permit, dives are conducted in small groups under direct guide supervision, and nothing whatsoever may be touched, removed, photographed for commercial use or even disturbed by improper finning. The biological community on and around the amphorae is also rich: octopus often shelter inside the necks, and small reef fish such as scorpionfish, painted comber and ornate wrasse hunt along the edges of the field.