"Ships throughout time are among the most complex artifacts that any culture creates," Wachsmann said.
Although the sea is more difficult to explore, it has the benefit of preserving artifacts better than if they were on land. Among the assembled geologists, archaeologists, historians and oceanographers there is no doubt that the ancient shipwrecks exist.
"It's just a question of finding them," said Stefanie Kennell, the director of the Canadian Archaeological Institute.
Because triremes had very little ballast, and when destroyed were unlikely to sink but float, archaeologists have long debated the likelihood of finding one. Most have set their hopes on finding a bronze ram, or the arms and armor that went down with the crews.
"If we can find part, or even the metal fittings of a trireme, it would add immeasurably to our knowledge of military seafaring in the early 5th century BC," Kennell said.
In an earlier attempt to find the lost Persian fleet of the first Persian war -- wrecked off Mount Athos in a storm in 492 BC -- the searchers discovered two helmets and a bronze-tipped spear butt.
But around Mount Athos, the waters were much deeper.
"The chances of making more finds are higher," Delaporta said.
The big prize - -- Salamis -- has been left for now. But time, she says, is of the essence. With the technological advances a new kind of menace has arrived -- looters, rushing to beat the academics to the ancient wrecks.
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