Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World

Lionel Casson is professor emeritus of classics at New York University. He is the author of Daily Life in Ancient Rome, Daily Life in Ancient Egypt, Illustrated History of Ships and Boats, and Travel in the Ancient World, the last available from Johns Hopkins.

• PrefaceList of Illustrations Chapter 1. Floats, Rafts, and the Earliest BoatsChapter 2. Egypt and MesopotamiaChapter 3. The Eastern Mediterranean: 3000–1000 B.C.Chapter 4. The Eastern Mediterranean: 1000-500 B.C.Chapter 5. The Age of the Trireme: 500–323 B.C.Chapter 6. The Warships of the Hellenistic Age: 323–31 B.C.Chapter 7. The Roman Imperial and Byzantine NaviesChapter 8. Merchant GalleysChapter 9. Sailing ShipsChapter 10. ShipbuildingChapter 11. Rudder, Rigging, Miscellaneous EquipmentChapter 12. Seasons and Winds, Sailing, Rowing, SpeedChapter 13. Officers and MenChapter 14. Small CraftChapter 15. Markings and NamesChapter 16. HarborsList of AbbreviationsGlossary of Nautical TermsGlossary of Greek and Latin TernsIndexesAddenda and Corrigenda

A wonderful book made even better. Greece and Rome A bible for all interested in ancient ships, shipbuilding, and sailing techniques... it is a standard reference for every student of ancient history, not only for those interested in maritime matters. International Journal of Maritime History Lionel Casson's scholarship is impeccable and he adds data from underwater archaeological research. In this paperback edition much new material is included..The remarkable performance of the Kyrenia ship replica, for example, will facinate any sailing reader. Clearly they were nautical experts, these Kyrenia seafarers of 300 BC! Lloyd's List Casson is one of those rare individuals able to make a highly technical subject not only understandable to the general reader, but interesting as well... This is unquestionably the finest general reference on the subject of ancient seafaring; copiously illustrated, erudite, and always readable, [it] belongs in the library of anyone with even a passing interest in the roots of maritime enterprise. American Neptune This fine book... should remain the standard authority on ancient ships for many years to come. Classical Philology A comprehensive and up-to-date work of reference... [Casson's] extremely thorough study of representations of boats and vessels is complemented by his vast knowledge of text references. Archaeological Journal