Drawing of a boat
((:navis))
| Description of Drawing (English) | boat |
|---|---|
| Findspot |
Smyrna, Basilica
(Agora.1)
|
| Drawing Category | Boats |
| Writing Style | Graffito/incised |
| Bibliography | Bagnall, R. S. et al., Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna (2016): 378. |
| Commentary | Graffito of a ship sailing on starboard tack, incised on the western face of Pier A75. A large gap in the plaster has completely obliterated the upper half of the graffito, where the ship’s mast, sail, and rigging must have been, while concretions to the left partially cover the prow. The ship is characterized by a slightly rockered keel. The prow is significantly higher than the stern and terminates with a cheniscus (ἀκροστόλιον) turning inward. The stern terminates in a pointed aplustre along with a long pole that holds a taenia and possibly also a quadrangular flag. The rudders (πηδάλια) are very long and wide, with a central line defining the blades. Over the deck is a quarterdeck rendered as a rectangular feature decorated with diagonal and parallel lines. A radial net of ropes (κάλοι) connects the mast, now indiscernible, to the ship’s sides and extremities. No oars are visible. |
| Suggested Citation | AGP-SMYDP0751, The Ancient Graffiti Project, <https://ancientgraffiti.org/Graffiti/graffito/AGP-SMYDP0751> [accessed: 02 Apr 2025] |
| Contributions |
Editor: Roger S. Bagnall Principal Contributor: Roger S. Bagnall Last Revision: 2016-10-03 |
