Ships and Seafaring in Ancient Times [Paperback]

Lionel Casson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1994

Ever since the earliest travelers took to the water on reed rafts or inflated goatskins, ships and boats have played a paramount role in the history of the Western world. The invention of the sail about 3500 BC resulted in ever faster and more efficient water transport, and the great civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome depended on ships and seafarers for their prosperity. This entertaining book by the world's foremost authority on ancient seamanship traces the development of the boat from the most primitive craft to the powerful warships of the Greeks, the huge Roman merchant vessels, and the slender galleys of the Vikings. Professor Casson shows how the discoveries of marine archaeologists and recent experiments with full-size replicas of ancient boats have increased our knowledge of the way in which ships were built and used. Drawing upon written accounts and contemporary artistic depictions of naval battles, trading expeditions, and other voyages, he brings the world of seafaring in ancient times vividly to life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1 edition (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 029271162X
• ISBN-13: 978-0292711624
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A really fun history book with lots of cool pictures., November 5, 1998

By 

Amy Thomson "Amy Thomson" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ships and Seafaring in Ancient Times (Paperback)

I checked out this book from the library, and am enjoying it so much that I'm buying a copy. If you love practical, how-it-was-done histories, you'll really like this book. The chapter on triremes is my favorite so far, partly because of the description of these amazing ships, and partly because of the accounts of deeply stupid naval blunders on the part of the greeks. Best of all, there are tons of pictures, including reconstructions of several ancient ships. Neat book! Buy it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has a greater gift to give, February 27, 2007

By 

Billman (Hayward, CA.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ships and Seafaring in Ancient Times (Paperback)

I read this along with Mr. Casson's "The Ancient Mariners"; it was an excellent accompaniment to that volume, which is lacking the abundant illustrations that are included in this book. Along with providing a complete, unbroken (as we know it) timeline of the evolution of shipping and development of ancient men-of-war such as the Trireme, Quinquereme, sixes, sevens, etc. the greater gift of this book as I see it is it will teach people how to look at the art. With every single example in this book are numerous references to fine detail that the artists included which are picked out and described by Mr. Casson. One of the first things I learned in Art History was that the living conditions contemporary to a society are ALWAYS reflected in the art, which is why there are so many sculptures and mosaics referenced here. Another unexpected thrill from this book was the absolutely fabulous color plates included, depicting among other things some of the finest photography I have ever seen of the Greek red figure/black figure vases. All the photos, with very few exceptions, are top notch. Absolutely one of the most enjoyable books I have found in quite some time.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars captivating information, December 9, 2000

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ships and Seafaring in Ancient Times (Paperback)

In this captivating account of travel by sea, the author provides the origins of the boat, the vessel, the trireme and the supergalley. He writes about the importance of this means of communication and travel in the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Widely illustrated in black and white, the book includes a short bibliography albeit with very useful titles. Recommended for its wealth of information.