Xαίρετε! My name is Duncan Howitt-Marshall and I am a Doctoral Researcher in Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. I am in the final stages of a PhD on the maritime cultural landscape of ancient southwest Cyprus. My research explores the role of early seafaring in the social, political and economic development of urban settlements from the Late Bronze Age to the Roman Empire (c. 1650 BC – 150 AD). I have been involved in archaeological surveys and excavations in Cyprus for over 10 years, and I have directed five seasons of my own underwater survey project of anchorage sites along the west coast. I am currently based at the British School at Athens as a research assistant, where I hope to write a book on seafaring and society in ancient Cyprus and develop an experimental project that investigates the earliest maritime technology in the eastern Mediterranean.

As a maritime archaeologist I am passionate about the marine environment and conservation issues. Unfortunately, working in the Mediterranean Sea has exposed me firsthand to one of the most damaged marine eco-systems on the planet. I have always felt that marine conservation issues are sadly neglected by politicians, industrialists and society at large. The old adage that there are ʽplenty more fish in the seaʼ simply is no longer true. It is therefore absolutely fundamental to raise awareness among the wider public about the importance of protecting the seas and oceans and preserving the incredible diversity of marine species, which are critical to all life on Earth. The work of Athens-based sea turtle protection society, ARCHELON, is vital to the preservation of these magnificent marine animals in the Mediterranean region. All species of sea turtles are listed as either endangered or under severe threat of extinction. They are in many respects a ʽflagship speciesʼ for much broader conservation issues at stake in the 21st century. The staff and volunteers at ARCHELON work tirelessly to monitor and protect sea turtle hatcheries around Greece, as well as come to the rescue of injured turtles found by local divers and fishermen. As a maritime archaeologist based in Greece the sea is my lifeblood and it is a great privilege to be made an Ambassador of this remarkable organisation here in Athens.

The Athens Classic Marathon will take place on 31st October 2010: the 2,500th anniversary of the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BC and the legendary run by the Greek messenger, Pheidippides. The 42.2 km race will follow the route from Marathon to Athens, ending at the Panathinaiko Stadium, the venue of the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896. (http://www.athensclassicmarathon.gr/marathon/fMain.aspx?lang=en-US)

During the course of my training for this historic race I hope to raise sponsorship for the hardworking staff and volunteers at ARCHELON, and work towards raising further awareness for sea turtle protection and marine conservation issues in the Mediterranean. I would be hugely grateful for any support you would like to give. Eυχαριστώ.

The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, ARCHELON, request all donations to be deposited to ALPHA BANK, account number (IBAN) 160 140 3580 35800 23200 00077