Greece strives to preserve underwater antiquities

Lacking funds partly because of the debt crisis, Greece, which is rich in underwater antiquities, is now working closely with archaeological groups from other countries to explore, preserve and display the treasure trove.

Located in the heart of the old town of Athens, stands the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, a special subdivision of the Greek Ministry of Culture and is tasked with the preservation of underwater antiquities. This elegant building of neoclassical style houses almost all of the antiquities discovered in various bodies of water in Greece - sea, lakes and rivers.

A wealth of statues, urns, busts, coins and other remarkable findings are painstakingly cleaned and preserved here, before they can be exposed to the public.