Drawing of a boat

((:navis))


Description of Drawing (English): boats
Findspot: Smyrna, Basilica (Agora.1)
Drawing Category: Boats
Writing Style: charcoal
  • Graffito Height: 35
  • Graffito Length: 59
Bibliography: Bagnall, R. S. et al., Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna (2016): 330.
Commentary: Dipinto of two ships, located in the upper right quadrant of the back wall of Bay 32, right above D32.1. The lower ship, sailing on starboard tack, is poorly preserved, as a gap in the plaster has destroyed the prow. The preserved hull is elongated but flattened, and the keel tapers slightly toward the stern. At the edge of the stern, a circular feature is visible: it is probably a ζυγόν, the thwart joining the rudders to each other and to the vessel. The two rudders (πηδάλιοι) are rendered with two thick diagonal lines with no articulation of the blades. The upper ship, also sailing on starboard tack, has a rockered keel that tapers upward toward the stern. The prow is not preserved. The main mast is moved toward the stern; two parallel, diagonal lines toward the prow are identifiable as a foremast (ἀκάτειος). No sails, oars, or rudders are visible.
Suggested Citation: AGP-SMYD00322, The Ancient Graffiti Project, <http://ancientgraffiti.org/Graffiti/graffito/AGP-SMYD00322> [accessed: 23 Apr 2024]
Contributions:

Editor: Roger S. Bagnall

Principal Contributor: Roger S. Bagnall

Last Revision: 2016-10-03