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Research

The following programme of research is based on the plan set out in the final chapter of Odysseus Unbound:

Phase A	2003-2005	Initial research to demonstrate the strength of this proposal (resulting in the publication of Odysseus Unbound)
Phase B	2006-2012	Geological assessment and hydrological survey (subject to the granting of Greek geological permits and continuing geological sponsorship) Note that the timescale for this phase has been extended as a result of the lack of a local permit for a marine drilling rig that was standing by in Lixouri harbour in March 2011. It is hoped that permission will be granted for a repeat attempt in 2012.
Phase C	2013 onwards	Archaeological survey and possible excavation (subject to the outcome of Phase B, the involvement of professional archaeologists and the granting of Greek archaeological permits)

Phase A is documented in the book and it has enabled us to identify candidate locations matching the landscape that is described in the Odyssey. In particular, it has enabled the surface geology of "Strabo's Channel" to be mapped with considerable precision. As a result of this work, conducted by Professor John Underhill in conjunction with Greece's IGME geological institute, it is now possible to indicate a specific course for the proposed buried channel around 3,000 years ago. The challenge for Phase B is therefore to test this proposal scientifically.

Phase B has so far involved a marine seismic survey of the bays to the north and south of Strabo's Channel, gravity-based measurements of its cross-section, a hydrological pilot survey of the surrounding area via resistivity readings and ground penetrating radar, detailed geological and geomorphological field mapping of the expected course of the channel, and the drilling of a 122 metre (400 foot) test borehole near its diagnosed southern exit. The results to date support the proposal that Paliki was formerly a separate island, although further work is needed to reach a firm conclusion. Up to date reports of this work are presented at the website News and Results pages.

The next phase of work in Phase B will therefore focus on a more extensive examination of other sections of the channel through the acquisition and interpretation of a land-based seismic survey, calibrated by further boreholes. This will be especially important in the case of inland areas at high elevations above sea level, where the proposal is clearly most challenged. In parallel with this work, the hydrological survey will be extended to enable the former watercourses of the northern Paliki region to be understood in detail, since this knowledge is an essential prerequisite to any consideration of patterns of ancient occupation. An additional focus will be the mapping of land uplift and relative sea level movement over the last 3,000 years. This work will involve specialist geological skills such as historical sea level recreation, micropalaeontology, scientific dating, geomorphology, satellite imagery analysis and further marine and land-based seismic surveys.

If the outcome of Phase B indicates that Paliki was a separate island c. 3,000 years ago, there will then be a strong case in Phase C for an archaeological surface survey of key areas to be conducted, subject to the involvement of professional archaeologists and in accordance with Greece's archaeological policies. If the results of such a survey are promising, excavation may then follow. Although a geological result confirming that Ithaca was a Bronze Age island located where Homer describes it would not necessarily imply that Odysseus' city and palace actually existed, it would clearly increase the probability that they did.

The project's research goals include delivering practical benefit to the islanders of Kefallinia wherever this is possible, particularly in areas such as the availability of reliable local fresh water supplies. It is also hoped that further research into the historical regularity, intensity and impact of earthquakes in the Ionian Islands over the last few thousand years will enable the Greek authorities to take this information into account as a part of their existing natural hazards awareness and damage limitation initiatives.