Shipsheds of the Ancient Mediterranean

This is the first detailed and comprehensive study of the shipsheds which were a defining symbol of naval power in the ancient Mediterranean.

David Blackman (Author), Boris Rankov (Author), Kalliopi Baika (With), Henrik Gerding (With), Jari Pakkanen (With)

9781107001336, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 January 2014

617 pages, 212 b/w illus. 3 maps 24 tables
28.7 x 21.9 x 3.4 cm, 1.9 kg

'Shipsheds [of the Ancient Mediterranean] will surely become the standard work on the subject that everyone will consult for the next few decades or more. Congratulations are due to all who contributed to this ambitious project and its final excellent publication.' William M. Murray, The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

This is the first detailed and comprehensive study of the shipshed complexes which housed the great navies of the Greco-Roman world, including Athens and Carthage. These complexes represented some of the largest and most expensive building projects of antiquity, and the volume provides a comprehensive survey of the archaeological and literary evidence. It explains how the buildings were carefully designed to keep warships dry and out of reach of shipworm, whilst enabling them to be launched quickly, easily and safely when required. It also serves as a handbook for archaeologists who may excavate such buildings, which are often difficult to identify and interpret. The analytical chapters are complemented by a full and detailed catalogue of known sheds, with plans for all the major sites specially drawn for easy comparison. The book thus provides an indispensable guide for all those interested in these buildings and in the maritime infrastructure of the ancient world.

1. Introduction David Blackman and Boris Rankov
2. Research and investigation of ancient shipsheds David Blackman
3. Classical and Hellenistic sheds David Blackman
4. Roman shipsheds Boris Rankov
5. The economy of shipshed complexes: Zea, a case study Jari Pakkanen
6. Ships and shipsheds Boris Rankov
7. Slipping and launching Boris Rankov
8. Ramps and substructures David Blackman
9. Roofs and superstructures Henrik Gerding
10. The topography of shipshed complexes and naval dockyards Kalliopi Baika
11. The fortification of shipsheds and naval arsenals Kalliopi Baika
12. Small-scale and rock-cut naval bases Kalliopi Baika
13. Conclusions: not just garages David Blackman and Boris Rankov
Catalogue of shipsheds and miscellanea Kalliopi Baika, David Blackman, Henrik Gerding, Judith McKenzie and Boris Rankov.

Subject Areas: Underwater archaeology [HDR], Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Archaeology by period / region [HDD], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]