Drawing of a boat

((:navis))


Description of Drawing (English): boat
Findspot: Smyrna, Basilica (Agora.1)
Drawing Category: Boats
Writing Style: charcoal
  • Graffito Height: 32
  • Graffito Length: 32
Bibliography: Bagnall, R. S. et al., Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna (2016): 177.
Commentary: Dipinto of a ship, possibly a corbita, located on the western face of Pier A25, looking into Bay 14. The drawing is largely faded; however, it is still possible to discern a ship sailing on starboard tack. The keel is strongly rockered, terminating in a raised prow with a short, pointed στόλος. From the prow depart two diagonal lines, the πρότονοι, the ropes by which the mast was fastened to the prow. Also visible, in a very thick line, is one of the κάλοι, the ropes used to fasten the mast to the sides of the ship. The straight mast is clearly indicated by two thick and parallel lines at the center of the ship. Two curved lines above the gunwale seem to suggest the presence of a raised deck, while at the center of the hull runs a line indicating the ship’s waterway. No oars or sails are discernible.
Suggested Citation: AGP-SMYD00142, The Ancient Graffiti Project, <http://ancientgraffiti.org/Graffiti/graffito/AGP-SMYD00142> [accessed: 19 Apr 2024]
Contributions:

Editor: Roger S. Bagnall

Principal Contributor: Roger S. Bagnall

Last Revision: 2016-10-03