Technological choice and social practice in the construction and use of watercraft: exploring the case of the ancient Rhodian triemiolia

Velentza, Katerina

Abstract

This paper explores the theories of technological choice and social practice in the construction and use of watercraft through the case of the Rhodian triemiolia, a Mediterranean oared warship, known to have been developed and used around the eastern Mediterranean Sea during the Hellenistic period (323–31 BC) of Greek Antiquity. Through the lens of maritime archaeological theory this research examines ancient literary sources, epigraphic evidence, archaeological remains and iconographic representations in order to demonstrate the socio-historical circumstances that resulted in the introduction of this ship to the Rhodian naval tradi- tion. At the same time this research explores the social impact that the technological choice of this vessel had on the people of ancient Rhodes.

Citation

Velentza, K. (2023). Technological choice and social practice in the construction and use of watercraft: exploring the case of the ancient Rhodian triemiolia. In H. Kiimann (Ed.), New perspectives in maritime archaeological research (67-84). University of Tartu Press

• Online Publication Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 21, 2024
• Pages: 67-84
• Series Title: Proceedings of the Estonian Maritime Museum
• Series Number: 9
• Series ISSN: 1406-5363
• Book Title: New perspectives in maritime archaeological research
• ISBN: 9789916274569
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4716099
• Publisher URL: https://shop.ut.ee/en/pood/new-perspectives-in-maritime-archaeological-research/