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I have read repeated references to the lightweight construction of ancient warships,
Resulting in them becoming waterlogged and settling inthe water, but not sinking as such.
How true would this hold for the larger tens and such?
This would infer the danger of being dragged down was not so great?
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
Titus Flavius Germanus
Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
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Did they publish any guesses about the size or types of the ships based on the form and weight of the retrieved rams?
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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Wouldn't a very large foundry be needed to cast a ram that size?
Dan
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Quote:Wouldn't a very large foundry be needed to cast a ram that size?
Yes, certainly. But keep in mind these are smaller examples, still a far cry from the superbeasts of the Hellenistic Age. I recall they weigh around 500 kg; one photo shows one of them put on display on a table. The casting quality looks to my raw, untrained eye good. That's why I am asking for new information.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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Quote:Another new ram featuring an inscription was also confiscated recently around Christmas of last year.
That, I believe, is now classed as an "Anti-Christmas Gift."
If anyone gets a chance to visit the museum in Trapani, they'll enjoy it. The amount of Greek and Roman antiquities is impressive. From Trapani, you can visit the outer islands on same-day boat trips. I was fortunate to spend a week there, poking around for antiquities. The ancient salt-production ponds are interesting, some of the windmills are still working, and the ponds' sardines scatter at your approach. :-)
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb