Bireme: Roman Naval Warfare in History and Diorama

Madrid, Spain: Andrea Press, 2004. First Edition . Trade Paperback. Very Good. 8 1/2" X 11. 70 Pages. Tight, bright book with a pictorial cover. Color illustrations on every page with one foldout covering four pages. A little historical background. The dawn of civilization and the ocean Propulsion was the next evolution in ship design by integrating sails and oars, followed thereafter by direction devises and helm controls. These two innovations rapidly influenced the creation of new and ingenious ships. Ancient Egypt (circa 4000 B.C.) was the cradle of Western naval architecture thanks to its amazing scientific achievements. Hieroglyphic writing on bas-relief stones and ceramic clay illustrate without a doubt the first boats. One can see fishing and the transport of goods, most likely on a river or lake. The Nile River allowed most of Egypt's products to be moved by water, as the numerous irrigation canals inland expedited the movement of heavy loads. In Pharaoh Sahure's tomb is found a relief dating from 2500 B.C. depicting a ship suitable to sail on the oceans. The Aegean Islands, in particular Crete (circa 3000 B.C.), developed a commercial sailing route with Egypt, Syria and Mesopotamia. One can surmise that the people of Crete invented the ships used by the Egyptians. The Phoenicians, great sailors and merchants, were the first to navigate beyond the coastline. Later Greeks and Carthaginians would take their place in dominating the ocean. The Diorama of the Battle of Mylae is a complex model naval scene with over 100 figures with different attitudes and boats in a V formation. The main view of the Diorama shows the flank of the Roman ship and the prow of the Carthaginian boat where the main action takes place. Contents in Ten Chapters: Sailing in Ancient Times Roman Sailing, The Biremes, The Battle of Mylae, Starting The Diorama, Construction of the Carthaginian Ship, Painting The Roman ship, Modelling and Painting figures, and Modelling and Painting Water.