Reconstruction Trireme

olympias, reconstruction of ancient athenian trireme

in 1985–1987 shipbuilder in piraeus, financed frank welsh (an author, suffolk banker, writer , trireme enthusiast), advised historian j. s. morrison , naval architect john f. coates (who welsh founded trireme trust initiated , managed project), , informed evidence underwater archaeology, built reconstructed athenian trireme, olympias.

crewed 170 volunteer oarsmen, olympias in 1988 achieved 9 knots (17 km/h or 10.5 mph). these results, achieved inexperienced crew, suggest ancient writers not exaggerating straight-line performance. in addition, olympias able execute 180 degree turn in 1 minute , in arc no wider 2 , 1 half (2.5) ship-lengths. additional sea trials took place in 1987, 1990, 1992 , 1994. in 2004 olympias used ceremonially transport olympic flame port of keratsini main port of piraeus 2004 olympic torch relay entered final stages in run-up 2004 summer olympics opening ceremony.

the builders of reconstruction project concluded proved had been in doubt, i.e., athenian triremes arranged crew positioned in staggered arrangement on 3 levels 1 person per oar. architecture have made optimum use of available internal dimensions. however, since modern humans on average approximately 6 cm (2 inches) taller ancient greeks (and same relative dimensions can presumed oarsmen , other athletes), construction of craft followed precise dimensions of ancient vessel led cramped rowing conditions , consequent restrictions on modern crew s ability propel vessel full efficiency, perhaps explains why ancient speed records stand unbroken.