Published Articles by Katerina Velentza
Hergestellt und aufgestellt – Keryx 12 Produktionsdynamiken und Kontexte römischer Skulpturen im antiken Mittelmeerraum, 2024
From the sixteenth century onwards, hundreds of ancient sculptures have been discovered in the wa... more From the sixteenth century onwards, hundreds of ancient sculptures have been discovered in the waters of the Mediterranean from the context of shipwrecks, potential unrecorded shipwrecks, or out of context as isolated finds. Scholars have so far analysed several of those sculptural artefacts, mainly from an art-historical perspective, basing the interpretation of their transport and deposition only on possible hypotheses due to the problematic recording, the inaccessibility and the remoteness of their underwater context. Therefore, in the existing scholarship, it has been quite uncertain under which circumstances, by whom, how and when these sculptures were transported in antiquity. Through the examination of a new Mediterranean-wide dataset of underwater deposits with sculptures, this paper presents, firstly, an overview of Roman era underwater evidence for the maritime movement of sculptures. Subsequently, patterns of maritime transport and trade of sculptures during Roman times are analysed through shipwreck case studies in order to determine features of the identified trading processes. Overall, this paper introduces a new research perspective and highlights the important contribution of underwater archaeological evidence in the study of the dynamics, range and circumstances of the maritime transport and trade of sculptures during various periods of Mediterranean antiquity.
People and Nature, 2024
1. Challenge 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2... more 1. Challenge 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) calls for the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Research suggests that the relationship people have with marine environments can influence their depth of engagement in marine citizenship action, and the important role for ‘marine identity’ in driving that action. Although identity is well-researched, marine identity is a concept novel to academia and a baseline understanding is required, both to grasp the scope of the concept, and to support research into its role in transforming the human-ocean relationship.
2. Here, a transdisciplinary study, endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Activity and by the EU Mission Ocean & Waters, brought together a multinational community of marine researchers and practitioners to co-produce a baseline conceptualisation of marine identity, drawing on photovoice and deliberative methodology. This paper presents the findings of the co-production process and offers a first introduction in the literature of the multiple variations and formations of marine identity.
3. We find marine identity to be a complex and multidimensional concept, suffused with individual experiences and understandings of the marine environment, based on social and cultural understandings of the ocean, contemporarily and historically. We present real-world examples of marine identity to illustrate key themes that were developed through co-production.
4. Policy implications: We propose marine identity as a catalyst for understanding existing multifaceted and caring relationships with the ocean, as well as the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Marine identity research should, therefore, be prioritised in research seeking to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 10, as this will support integration of non-material values of the ocean into marine planning processes and policy making, enabling effective responses to Challenge 10's emphasis on integrating traditional/cultural ways of knowing and valuing the marine environment, through diverse marine identities. We welcome research efforts that will further develop the marine identity concept and empirically investigate the relationships between marine identity, marine citizenship, and people's relationships with the ocean.
Delivering the Deep: Maritime archaeology for the 21st century: selected papers from IKUWA 7, 2024
This chapter explores stories of loss and discovery of ancient sculptures in the
Mediterranean Se... more This chapter explores stories of loss and discovery of ancient sculptures in the
Mediterranean Sea from the period of Classical Antiquity until today. Through the study of
archaeological evidence, literary sources, historical records, contemporary art and popular
culture, this research demonstrates the continuity in the reception of sculptures from the waters
of the Mediterranean Sea over the centuries. From the period of Classical Antiquity to Mediaeval
times and from the shipwrecks of the ‘Grand Tour’ period to the most recent archaeological
discoveries, incidents of underwater deposition, discovery or recovery of sculptures have
instigated strong feelings of catastrophe, mystery and wonder in both pre-modern and modern
narratives. These emotional and conceptual associations have shaped long-term attitudes
towards sculptures from under water in the stories and traditions of multiple eras. Through the
study of sculptures from under water, this chapter addresses issues of public perception and
portrayal of underwater archaeology. The overarching aims of this research are to comprehend
more fully human interconnections with the underwater environment and to advocate for greater
care in conducting and presenting underwater archaeological research to the public today and
in the future.
Delivering the Deep: Maritime archaeology for the 21st century: selected papers from IKUWA 7, 2024
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2024
This paper presents tangible and intangible data related to traditional shipbuilding on the islan... more This paper presents tangible and intangible data related to traditional shipbuilding on the island of Samos. This shipbuilding activity along with the material culture produced are expressions of local knowledge, namely a system of deep knowledge, understandings and skills developed by individuals and populations specific to the place they live. Through analysis of information recorded during fieldwork in 2022, the significant links between traditional wooden shipbuilding and local knowledge of the Aegean communities are explored. The study closes with future considerations regarding the potential of maritime heritage to support sustainable and resilient ways of living in the Aegean Sea.
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2023
This paper presents the results of new research on underwater archaeological evidence for the mar... more This paper presents the results of new research on underwater archaeological evidence for the maritime transport of sculptures in the ancient Mediterranean. Through the creation of a Mediterranean-wide database and with a focus on information from surviving archaeological deposits, this study explores ancient Greek and Roman sculptures from under water as a dataset of transported artefacts that had a specific function within the maritime context of their discovery. This documentation, analysis and interpretation of underwater deposits with sculptures provide previously unexplored data regarding the geographical extent, date, reasons and circumstances of maritime movement of sculptural artefacts during Antiquity.
New Perspectives in Maritime Archaeological Research : Proceedings of the Estonian Maritime Museum Volume 9, 2021
This paper explores the theories of technological choice and social practice in the construction ... more This paper explores the theories of technological choice and social practice in the construction and use of watercraft through the case of the Rhodian triemiolia, a Mediterranean oared warship, known to have been developed and used around the eastern Mediterranean Sea during the Hellenistic period (323–31 BC) of Greek Antiquity. Through the lens of maritime archaeological theory this research examines ancient literary sources, epigraphic evidence, archaeological remains and iconographic representations in order to demonstrate the socio-historical circumstances that resulted in the introduction of this ship to the Rhodian naval tradi- tion. At the same time this research explores the social impact that the technological choice of this vessel had on the people of ancient Rhodes.
European Journal of Archaeology, 2022
Maritime archaeology has been identified as a significant field among the humanities that could c... more Maritime archaeology has been identified as a significant field among the humanities that could contribute to the global sustainable development agenda. This article explores the relevance of maritime archaeological studies to initiatives of climate action. Βy reviewing the contributions of various state-of-the-art projects and by linking their aims and outcomes to specific targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the author highlights the benefits of involving maritime archaeological research in the pursuit of sustainability and climate resilience. This involvement could play a key role in reinforcing human-centred and culturally aware solutions to the current climate change effects that threaten human populations, especially in maritime regions. It is hoped that this discussion will inspire researchers in the humanities, archaeology, and maritime archaeology in particular, to use their expertise within the framework provided by the sustainable development agenda to help build a better future.
Trowel, Nov 20, 2014
Trowel is the UCD Archaeology student journal.
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The Hephaisteion, the Doric temple of Hephaistos and Athena Ergane, crowning the Kolonos Agoraios... more The Hephaisteion, the Doric temple of Hephaistos and Athena Ergane, crowning the Kolonos Agoraios hill , at the west side of the Athenian Agora, is the best preserved Doric temple from Antiquity. Despite its Doric order, the sculptural decoration of the Hephaisteion, which was constructed in the middle of the fifth century BC, included two continuous Ionic friezes set over the pronaos of the eastern side and the opisthodomos of the western side. Except for the Hephaisteion Ionic friezes, there are only two other cases preserved in Attica: one from the temple of Poseidon at Sounion and one from the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens. However, only the Ionic friezes of the Hephaisteion have the unique advantage of being preserved in their original position on the temple, with only minor damage and alterations, so that their situation and function can be researched in situ. In this paper I examine in depth all the features of the Ionic friezes of the Hephaisteion, their architectural position, their visibility, their iconography, their audience, their function and the intention of their construction. Through my research, I attempt to show that the Ionic friezes on these Doric temples were not simply an artistic innovation of fifth-century BC architectural sculpture that flourished in the wealthy environment of Periklean Athens, but that eScholarship provides open access, scholarly publishing services to the University of California and delivers a dynamic research platform to scholars worldwide. their architectural order and iconography were used conciously by the city of Athens to transmit pro-Athenian messages and constitute eternal monuments of the Athenian achievements.
This paper focuses on the reliefs of the frieze and the parapet of the Athena Nike temple, a smal... more This paper focuses on the reliefs of the frieze and the parapet of the Athena Nike temple, a small Ionic edifice built on the southwest bastion of the Acropolis in the last quarter of the 5th century B.C. From a close examination of these reliefs and through the study of the relevant modern scholarship and ancient literary sources, I have deduced that these architectural sculptures have many unique elements regarding both their iconography and style. First of all, historical events are depicted on a temple for the first time next to mythological scenes. Secondly, in the sculptural style of the frieze and the parapet we can see a very elaborately carved high relief characterised by a new, very naturalistic rendering of the human body.
The artistic innovations mentioned above are connected to the contemporary historical and political context of Athens. The representation of a battle between Greeks and Orientals at the southern frieze for instance recalls the great Athenian victories over the Persians during the Persian Wars. Additionally, the similarities in the treatment and the depiction of divine and human figures on the frieze could reflect the political ideology of 5th-century Athens that put herself into a supreme, epic world equal to that of the gods. In conclusion, my aim is to show that the reliefs of the Athena Nike temple constituted, both intentionally and unintentionally, a visual record of the political and military history of 5th-century Athens and a unique dedication from the Athenians to their victory goddess who would help them to be successful in the contemporary Peloponnesian War.
Conference Papers by Katerina Velentza
This paper presents the results of the 2016 survey project that was conducted on the hulk of the ... more This paper presents the results of the 2016 survey project that was conducted on the hulk of the boat Flash, found in Satchell Marsh of the River Hamble, in Hampshire, England. The project was conducted by the author and four other postgraduate students during spring 2016 and was part of the assessment of the 2015-2016 master's degree in Maritime Archaeology at the Center of Maritime Archaeology in the University of Southampton. The boat Flash, which now lies in the intertidal zone of the River Hamble, is a 19th-century fishing boat, possibly a cut-ter or a dry-smack, which was transformed into a hospital boat for the naval training school T.S. Mercury during the last decade of the 19th century. The intertidal site of Satchell Marsh and the archaeological remains of the Flash have been previously surveyed and partially recorded in 2008 and in 2013/2014. The 2016 survey project revisited the site with the objective to record thoroughly the remains of the Flash, understand the form and the construction techniques of the vessel, find archaeological evidence proving the exact dates of its second use as a hospital boat for T.S. Mercury, and comprehend the site-formation processes as well as the rate of degradation of the boat, which has been abandoned and unprotected on the River Hamble since the 1930s. The Flash survey project included archival research but also an on-site archaeological survey for the collection of data that enabled the creation of digital maps, reconstructions of the site, and three-dimensional models and drawings of the boat and important structural parts of it. Additionally, a variety of artifacts (glass medical vessels, thermometers, coins, stamped china plates) were recorded in situ and studied in the lab to establish the dates of use of the boat as a hospital. Finally, the pictures, the plans, and the three-dimensional models of the 2016 project were compared with the 2008 and 2013/2014 survey data to spot several changes that have occurred on the hulk of the Flash in the course of eight years. Therefore, it has been highlighted that the Flash has been subject to heavy erosion and degradation due to the fluvial environment of the site and is in need of constant monitoring and recording to avoid further loss of archaeological material.
This research examines the transport of sculpture in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean during... more This research examines the transport of sculpture in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. From the early 19th century onwards various marble and bronze statues of Classical Antiquity have been discovered in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Some of them come from surveyed shipwrecks such as Antikythera, Mahdia, Megadim and Artemission, while some others have been discovered out of context. Many scholars of Classical Archaeology have analysed several of those finds mainly from an art historical perspective basing the interpretation of their underwater deposition only in possible hypotheses. The present study though examines the sculptural material found in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean Sea from a maritime archaeological perspective to fill a gap in our understanding of the movement of sculptures during the Hellenistic and Roman times. Through the examination of sculptural material discovered in Greece, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Croatia and Tunisia, I attempt to interpret the various statues within their maritime context while taking into account the geographical location of their discovery. Additionally, I assess the scale as well as the nature of the transport of sculpture which according to the ancient sources was developed as a trading or/and looting activity towards the end of the Hellenistic period (Plutarch 32.2.4; Pliny NH 22.13- 36.33; Cicero Letters to Atticus 1.8.2). Through this research I aim to prove the archaeological significance of the numerous sculptures discovered in the Mediterranean Sea and show the necessity of the investigation, protection and preservation of their underwater context.
Thesis Chapters by Katerina Velentza
PhD Abstract, 2020
Faculty(of(Arts(and(Humanities( Archaeology(
Papers by Katerina Velentza
At The Well Blog, Kone Foundation, 2022
Books by Katerina Velentza
Delivering the Deep: Maritime archaeology for the 21st century: selected papers from IKUWA 7, 2024
Delivering the Deep: Maritime archaeology for the 21st century, originated from work presented at... more Delivering the Deep: Maritime archaeology for the 21st century, originated from work presented at IKUWA 7 conference in Helsinki, and offers a comprehensive look at state-of-the-art research being undertaken by maritime scholars. A curated series of essays reviews change in the discipline over the past 50 years and highlights current trends. The wide range of themes presented underscores the changing nature of maritime archaeology, which has expanded from an initial focus on underwater archaeology and nautical technology to become a dynamic, interdisciplinary field encompassing all tangible and intangible elements of culture related to human activities on, in and around aquatic environments. Themes connected to theoretical frameworks, especially those focusing on maritime cultural landscapes, have increased in popularity, a sign of growth in theoretical insights and maturing research. This paves the way for a more nuanced understanding of past societies, their behaviours, technologies, economies, beliefs, and interactions with watery environments."
Archaeopress Ltd., 2022
The Maritime Transport of Sculptures in the Ancient Mediterranean examines where, when, why and h... more The Maritime Transport of Sculptures in the Ancient Mediterranean examines where, when, why and how sculptures were transported on the Mediterranean Sea during Classical Antquity through the lenses of both maritime and classical archaeology. From the 16th century onwards numerous ancient sculptures have been discovered in the Mediterranean from the context of surveyed shipwrecks, unrecorded potential shipwrecks or as isolated finds. Scholars so far have analysed those sculptural artefacts from an art historical perspective, with interpretation of their maritime transportation remaining conjectural due to the problematic recording and the remoteness of their underwater context.
With a focus on the underwater context of already retrieved sculptures, this book aims at comprehending in detail the various circumstances under which ancient sculptural artefacts were carried on board ancient merchant ships and were consequently deposited underwater. Through the creation of an extensive Mediterranean-wide database, with more than 100 known incidents of ancient sculptures found underwater, and the in-depth analysis of three case studies, the Porticello, Mahdia and Favaritx shipwrecks, a new interpretation is presented for this maritime activity. Thereby, new details for the maritime transport and distribution of sculptures during the period of Classical Antiquity are revealed. Finally, the volume demonstrates the importance of the thorough recording of underwater archaeological evidence in the hope of raising awareness and eliminating the salvage of ancient sculptures out of their underwater context, a practice that has been encouraging the illicit trade of such antquities.
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Published Articles by Katerina Velentza
2. Here, a transdisciplinary study, endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Activity and by the EU Mission Ocean & Waters, brought together a multinational community of marine researchers and practitioners to co-produce a baseline conceptualisation of marine identity, drawing on photovoice and deliberative methodology. This paper presents the findings of the co-production process and offers a first introduction in the literature of the multiple variations and formations of marine identity.
3. We find marine identity to be a complex and multidimensional concept, suffused with individual experiences and understandings of the marine environment, based on social and cultural understandings of the ocean, contemporarily and historically. We present real-world examples of marine identity to illustrate key themes that were developed through co-production.
4. Policy implications: We propose marine identity as a catalyst for understanding existing multifaceted and caring relationships with the ocean, as well as the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Marine identity research should, therefore, be prioritised in research seeking to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 10, as this will support integration of non-material values of the ocean into marine planning processes and policy making, enabling effective responses to Challenge 10's emphasis on integrating traditional/cultural ways of knowing and valuing the marine environment, through diverse marine identities. We welcome research efforts that will further develop the marine identity concept and empirically investigate the relationships between marine identity, marine citizenship, and people's relationships with the ocean.
Mediterranean Sea from the period of Classical Antiquity until today. Through the study of
archaeological evidence, literary sources, historical records, contemporary art and popular
culture, this research demonstrates the continuity in the reception of sculptures from the waters
of the Mediterranean Sea over the centuries. From the period of Classical Antiquity to Mediaeval
times and from the shipwrecks of the ‘Grand Tour’ period to the most recent archaeological
discoveries, incidents of underwater deposition, discovery or recovery of sculptures have
instigated strong feelings of catastrophe, mystery and wonder in both pre-modern and modern
narratives. These emotional and conceptual associations have shaped long-term attitudes
towards sculptures from under water in the stories and traditions of multiple eras. Through the
study of sculptures from under water, this chapter addresses issues of public perception and
portrayal of underwater archaeology. The overarching aims of this research are to comprehend
more fully human interconnections with the underwater environment and to advocate for greater
care in conducting and presenting underwater archaeological research to the public today and
in the future.
The artistic innovations mentioned above are connected to the contemporary historical and political context of Athens. The representation of a battle between Greeks and Orientals at the southern frieze for instance recalls the great Athenian victories over the Persians during the Persian Wars. Additionally, the similarities in the treatment and the depiction of divine and human figures on the frieze could reflect the political ideology of 5th-century Athens that put herself into a supreme, epic world equal to that of the gods. In conclusion, my aim is to show that the reliefs of the Athena Nike temple constituted, both intentionally and unintentionally, a visual record of the political and military history of 5th-century Athens and a unique dedication from the Athenians to their victory goddess who would help them to be successful in the contemporary Peloponnesian War.
Conference Papers by Katerina Velentza
Thesis Chapters by Katerina Velentza
Papers by Katerina Velentza
Books by Katerina Velentza
With a focus on the underwater context of already retrieved sculptures, this book aims at comprehending in detail the various circumstances under which ancient sculptural artefacts were carried on board ancient merchant ships and were consequently deposited underwater. Through the creation of an extensive Mediterranean-wide database, with more than 100 known incidents of ancient sculptures found underwater, and the in-depth analysis of three case studies, the Porticello, Mahdia and Favaritx shipwrecks, a new interpretation is presented for this maritime activity. Thereby, new details for the maritime transport and distribution of sculptures during the period of Classical Antiquity are revealed. Finally, the volume demonstrates the importance of the thorough recording of underwater archaeological evidence in the hope of raising awareness and eliminating the salvage of ancient sculptures out of their underwater context, a practice that has been encouraging the illicit trade of such antquities.
2. Here, a transdisciplinary study, endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Activity and by the EU Mission Ocean & Waters, brought together a multinational community of marine researchers and practitioners to co-produce a baseline conceptualisation of marine identity, drawing on photovoice and deliberative methodology. This paper presents the findings of the co-production process and offers a first introduction in the literature of the multiple variations and formations of marine identity.
3. We find marine identity to be a complex and multidimensional concept, suffused with individual experiences and understandings of the marine environment, based on social and cultural understandings of the ocean, contemporarily and historically. We present real-world examples of marine identity to illustrate key themes that were developed through co-production.
4. Policy implications: We propose marine identity as a catalyst for understanding existing multifaceted and caring relationships with the ocean, as well as the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Marine identity research should, therefore, be prioritised in research seeking to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 10, as this will support integration of non-material values of the ocean into marine planning processes and policy making, enabling effective responses to Challenge 10's emphasis on integrating traditional/cultural ways of knowing and valuing the marine environment, through diverse marine identities. We welcome research efforts that will further develop the marine identity concept and empirically investigate the relationships between marine identity, marine citizenship, and people's relationships with the ocean.
Mediterranean Sea from the period of Classical Antiquity until today. Through the study of
archaeological evidence, literary sources, historical records, contemporary art and popular
culture, this research demonstrates the continuity in the reception of sculptures from the waters
of the Mediterranean Sea over the centuries. From the period of Classical Antiquity to Mediaeval
times and from the shipwrecks of the ‘Grand Tour’ period to the most recent archaeological
discoveries, incidents of underwater deposition, discovery or recovery of sculptures have
instigated strong feelings of catastrophe, mystery and wonder in both pre-modern and modern
narratives. These emotional and conceptual associations have shaped long-term attitudes
towards sculptures from under water in the stories and traditions of multiple eras. Through the
study of sculptures from under water, this chapter addresses issues of public perception and
portrayal of underwater archaeology. The overarching aims of this research are to comprehend
more fully human interconnections with the underwater environment and to advocate for greater
care in conducting and presenting underwater archaeological research to the public today and
in the future.
The artistic innovations mentioned above are connected to the contemporary historical and political context of Athens. The representation of a battle between Greeks and Orientals at the southern frieze for instance recalls the great Athenian victories over the Persians during the Persian Wars. Additionally, the similarities in the treatment and the depiction of divine and human figures on the frieze could reflect the political ideology of 5th-century Athens that put herself into a supreme, epic world equal to that of the gods. In conclusion, my aim is to show that the reliefs of the Athena Nike temple constituted, both intentionally and unintentionally, a visual record of the political and military history of 5th-century Athens and a unique dedication from the Athenians to their victory goddess who would help them to be successful in the contemporary Peloponnesian War.
With a focus on the underwater context of already retrieved sculptures, this book aims at comprehending in detail the various circumstances under which ancient sculptural artefacts were carried on board ancient merchant ships and were consequently deposited underwater. Through the creation of an extensive Mediterranean-wide database, with more than 100 known incidents of ancient sculptures found underwater, and the in-depth analysis of three case studies, the Porticello, Mahdia and Favaritx shipwrecks, a new interpretation is presented for this maritime activity. Thereby, new details for the maritime transport and distribution of sculptures during the period of Classical Antiquity are revealed. Finally, the volume demonstrates the importance of the thorough recording of underwater archaeological evidence in the hope of raising awareness and eliminating the salvage of ancient sculptures out of their underwater context, a practice that has been encouraging the illicit trade of such antquities.