Ancient Greek Seafaring

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Why was seafaring so important in ancient Greece?

It was more dangerous, but far faster, more efficient, and lucrative than overland freighting

How did Greek expansion relate to seafaring?

New cities were established to take advantage of nearby natural harbours or waterways

How was seafaring important for the military?

It was the fastest way to bring harm to enemies at various points, including the ability to stop their imports and starbe them

How did Greek geography contribute to seafaring?

Seafaring was encouraged by the mountains, scarce farmland, and long coastline → many took to seafaring to compensate for lack of space or fertility

What were some of the major Greek seagoing states?

Chalcis, Corinth, Miletus, Phocaea, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, and Rhodes

Why was the Mediterranean so good for seafaring?

It has no tides and is broken by many island and peninsulas with reliable windows of calm weather in the summer

How did the Greeks navigate while seafaring?

They depended on visible landmarks as well as the position of the stars

What was one colony that served as an important anchorage between Greece and Italy?

Corcyra

What were ancient vessels made from?

Timber

How were ancient vessels powered?

Wind and oars → most ships carried a single mast of patchwork linen

Which were larger, merchant vessels or warships?

Merchant vessels

How did the movement of merchant vessels and warships differ?

Merchant vessels had to rely mostly on wind power whereas smaller warships could use oars alone 

What were merchant ships designed for?

Carrying freight → they had deep drafts, wide beams, heavy masts, and hulls closed at the top

What were warships designed for?

Speed → slender, shallow-drafted, low-riding, with an undecked hull

What was the biggest difference in handling between warships and merchant ships?

Warships were crowded and crew needed to pitch camp ashore to rest or cook whereas merchant ships could sail day and night

Who were the main patron gods of seafaring?

Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite, and Castor and Polydeuces

How do we know that Greek shipwrecks were common?

Vase paintings, written references, and modern underwater archaeology

When were shipping and naval operation normally confined to?

May to mid-September during the periods of sunny and calm weather

What were the hazards of winter seafaring?

Violent storms and reduced visibility due to rain, fog, and short daylight

In what condition do we typically find ancient shipwrecks now?

Bad → ships were made of wood which has been decayed, we only find durable cargo such as metal, ceramic, and stone

What shipwrecks may still have some wood remaining?

Those found deeper in the sea where the wood-boring organisms responsible for reducing wood are not found or those found in the Black Sea

What is an example of a preserved shipwreck found?

Eregli E found in 2011 off the coast of Türkiye had wood in tact due to being in the Black Sea