The Porticello Shipwreck: A Mediterranean Merchant Vessel of 415-385 B.C (Ed Rachal Foundation Nautical Archaeology Series) - Hardcover

Eiseman, Cynthia Jones; Ridgway, Brunilde Sismondo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0890962448 ISBN 13: 9780890962442

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press, 1987

Synopsis

The Porticello Shipwreck provides unique information on seafaring technologies and trade practices at the turn of the fifth century B.C.

This volume is the final report of the excavation, including detailed analyses of the ship and its contents and a thorough catalog of artifacts associated with the shipwreck. The Porticello wreck documents for the Classical period aspects of anchor, sail, and hull construction. The cargo provides the earliest evidence for maritime trade in ink and the export of Athenian lead to the Mediterranean, and the cargo of amphoras is the largest assemblage of Greek and Punic amphoras from a shipwreck site.

Of particular importance are the fragments of bronze Greek sculpture of the Classical period, which include a strikingly realistic bearded head. These pieces strongly suggest that techniques of Classical Greek bronze casting were much more varied and complex than art historians previously has though possible.

The information in this book will be of great value to students of Classical Greek archaeology, sculpture, and economics as well as those interested in ancient maritime history. 

About this title

About the Author:

Cynthia Jones Eiseman is retired from two careers, classical archaeology and charitable fundraising. She is currently writing a book about Society Hill, Philadelphia. She has lived there since 1972.

From Library Journal:

A welcome and important addition to the small library of scholarly reports in the field of nautical archaeology. It presents a comprehensive account of both the excavation activities and the historical questions which this Italian shipwreck helps to answer (or at least bring into sharper focus.) It also shows what elaborate conclusions or hypotheses can be tested with scant archaeological finds. The book offers a view of the complex commercial ties of this early period and highlights the Mediterranean's sophisticated market for artistic goods. There is a detailed analysis of bronze sculptures found in the shipwreck as well as analyses of the ship and its cargo. For specialists. Jay R. Kaufman, Massachusetts Bay Consortium, Boston
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0890962448
• ISBN 13: 9780890962442
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 138