Drawing of a boat

((:navis))


Description of Drawing (English): boat
Findspot: Smyrna, Basilica (Agora.1)
Drawing Category: Boats
Writing Style: Graffito/incised
  • Graffito Height: 41
  • Graffito Length: 42
Bibliography: Bagnall, R. S. et al., Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna (2016): 232.
Commentary: Graffito of a ship, located on the southern face of Pier A34, between Bay 22 and Bay 23, looking into the Basilica’s northern corridor. Several incised lines around and over this graffito complicate its interpretation. The vessel is sailing on starboard tack. The hull is rounded, and the keel rises sharply toward the stern. No oars are visible. The prow is plain, whereas at the stern a rectangular feature can be interpreted as the covered structure protecting the steersman (κυβερνήτης). Behind it, the pole holding the pennon (ταινία) is visible. The main mast is rendered in a single vertical line that extends beyond the short and straight yard. The sail is short but elongated toward the right, probably to suggest that a strong wind is filling it and propelling the boat forward.
Suggested Citation: AGP-SMYDP0342, The Ancient Graffiti Project, <https://ancientgraffiti.org/Graffiti/graffito/AGP-SMYDP0342> [accessed: 23 Nov 2024]
Contributions:

Editor: Roger S. Bagnall

Principal Contributor: Roger S. Bagnall

Last Revision: 2016-10-03