“Our mission is to advance the understanding of the past through rigorous research and innovative approaches.”
KORSEAI
Institute of Historical &
Archaeological Research
“Our mission is to advance the understanding of the past through rigorous research and innovative approaches.”
KORSEAI
Institute of Historical &
Archaeological Research
The Team
Here, we open a window into the lives and minds of the dedicated people who fuel the institute’s groundbreaking work. Their combined expertise and passion for unraveling history’s mysteries are what drive our success.
Dr. George Koutsouflakis
Dr. George Koutsouflakis
Dr. George Koutsouflakis is a prominent figure in the field of Maritime Archaeology, known for his extensive work in uncovering the secrets of ancient shipwrecks. As the former Director of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities and Assistant Professor of Underwater Archaeology at the University of Thessaly, he has led groundbreaking expeditions that have significantly contributed to our understanding of Greek maritime history. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology and an M.A. in Prehistoric Archaeology from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. His research has been pivotal in exploring ancient navigation and maritime connectivity, enriching the field with his scholarly publications.
In 2015, Dr. Koutsouflakis made headlines with the discovery of 22 shipwrecks in the Fournoi archipelago, a find that was expanded to 45 wrecks the following year. These discoveries represent a substantial portion of all known shipwrecks in Greek waters, spanning over 2,000 years of history. Born in Piraeus in 1968, his passion for archaeology has been the driving force behind his career. Since 1992, he has been actively involved in numerous research projects and excavations, holding a permanent position within the Ministry of Culture since 2005. His hands-on approach as a Technical and CCR Diver showcases his dedication to exploring the depths of the sea to bring ancient stories to the surface.
Dr. Peter B. Campbell
Dr. Peter G. Cambell
Dr. Peter B. Campbell, a renowned underwater archaeologist, holds both a Master of Arts (MA) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Maritime Archaeology. His expertise lies in uncovering submerged mysteries, from shipwrecks to sunken cities.
As a Lecturer in Archaeology at Cranfield University, he spearheads the esteemed MSc Investigation of Heritage Crime program. Dr. Campbell has led archaeological missions in eight countries, exploring shipwrecks, aircrafts, sunken cities, and underwater caves. His captivating journeys across the globe delve into the depths of history, revealing secrets hidden beneath the waves.
Manos Mytikas
Manos Mytikas
Manos Mytikas, a civil engineer by profession and a passionate spearfisherman by calling, has become an integral part of the marine archaeological community. His journey began in the Municipality of Fournoi Korseon, where the allure of the Aegean Sea’s hidden secrets captivated him. The local lore of shipwrecks around the Fournoi archipelago drew him to join forces with a team of marine archaeologists, becoming an unexpected ally due to his deep connection with the sea and his lineage as a descendant fo pirates.
His unique insights and knowledge of the local waters led to the discovery of over 40 ancient shipwrecks, revealing a rich tapestry of maritime history that spans from antiquity to the early 19th century. As he explored alongside the archaeologists, Manos felt a profound kinship with the seafarers of old, whose stories are now being told through the relics they left behind. Dubbed the ‘accidental historian,’ Manos continues to aid in the unraveling of Fournoi’s underwater past, his life deeply intertwined with the rhythmic pulse of the sea.
Vasilis Mentogiannis
Vasilis Mentogiannis
Vasilis Mentogiannis, born in Athens in 1973, is a Mechanical Engineer and Commercial Diver. Since 2005, he has been the technical director of the UFR Team, specializing in underwater services and documentation. His work covers a wide range of projects, from the Marine Construction Industry to Maritime Cultural Heritage. Vasilis is passionate about directing historical and archaeological documentaries, some of which have received awards at international film festivals. He also publishes scientific articles about cultural heritage surveys and marine life.
As one of the co-founders of the Korseai Institute of Historical & Archeological Research and founder of the Hippocampus Marine Institute, Vasilis has contributed significantly to underwater exploration and preservation of our unerwater ecosystems. Additionally, he significantly contributed to designing the uNdersea visiOn sUrveillance System (NOUS). NOUS is an innovative prototype system that provides continuous video monitoring at depths up to -150m, giving 24/7 watch over an underwater area of interest.
Dimitra Voutyrea
Dimitra Voutyrea
Dimitra Voutyrea holds a degree in History and Archaeology with a specialization in Archaeology and Art History from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She furthered her education by earning a master’s in Maritime and Coastal Archaeology from Aix-Marseille University through the A*Midex Initiative of Excellence. Scholarships from the Onassis Foundation and the French Government have supported Dimitra’s academic journey.
Since 2016, Dimitra has been an active scientific staff member involved in terrestrial and underwater excavations and surveys across Greece and Southern France. Her expertise extends to archaeological supervision in Preventive Archaeology projects. Notably, she has been entrusted with ceramic research in France (DRASSM – French Ministry of Culture, Ipso Facto). Currently, Dimitra is a doctoral candidate at the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Athens branch), focusing on the project “Crossing the Sea: Pottery from Asia Minor in Athens.” Her contributions also include participation in international conferences and workshops held in Europe and Asia
Olga Marinaki
Olga Marinaki
Olga Marinaki is an emerging scholar in the field of archaeology, currently pursuing her PhD in Archaeology at the Complutense University of Madrid, with a focus on Ancient World Studies. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Art History from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, followed by a Master’s degree in Maritime and Coastal Archaeology from the University of Aix-Marseille. Olga’s dedication to her field is evident through her active participation in significant projects and her receipt of scholarships, such as for the “32nd Congress of Rei Cretariae Romanae Favtorvm” and the archaeological inventory compilation for the Kasos project.
Professionally, O