Description

This book is written in the belief that a proper understanding of Greek civilization in antiquity requires some knowledge of its background of seafaring. A knowledge of nautical practice is required for an understanding of some passages of Greek poetry and prose writing, and for a correct interpretation of numerous historical events. This is an attempt at a thorough study of the evidence, both literary and archaeological. Modern reference books tend to repeat the misconceptions of nineteenth-century scholars. In contrast, Mr Morrison and Mr Williams have written a scholarly and scientific study of the subject. They collect in this volume evidence for Greek oared ships between 900 and 322 BC. The book is primarily a catalogue of decorated pottery and quotations from literature and from naval inventories. The pottery is illustrated by diagrams and plates; and the quotations are given in full.