Construction Trireme

the mortise , tenon joint method of hull construction employed in ancient vessels.

construction of trireme differed modern practice. construction of trireme expensive , required around 6000 man-days of labor complete. ancient mediterranean practice build outer hull first, , ribs afterwards. secure , strengthen hull, cables (hypozōmata) employed, fitted in keel , stretched means of windlasses. hence triremes called girded when in commission.

the materials trireme constructed important aspect of design. 3 principal timbers included fir, pine, , cedar. choice in timber depended on construction took place. example, in syria , phoenicia, triereis made of cedar because pine not readily available. pine stronger , more resistant decay, heavy unlike fir used because lightweight. frame , internal structure consist of pine , fir compromise between durability , weight.

another strong type of timber oak; used hulls of triereis withstand force of hauling ashore. other ships have hulls made of pine because come ashore via port or use of anchor. necessary ride triereis onto shores because there no time anchor ship during war , gaining control of enemy shores crucial in advancement of invading army. (petersen) joints of ship required finding wood capable of absorbing water not dried out point no water absorption occur. there gaps between planks of hull when ship new, once submerged planks absorb water , expand forming watertight hull.

problems occur example when shipbuilders use green wood hull; when green timber allowed dry loses moisture causes cracks in wood cause catastrophic damages ship. sailyards , masts preferably made fir because fir trees naturally tall , provided these parts in single piece. making durable rope consisted of using both papyrus , white flax; idea use such materials suggested evidence have originated in egypt. in addition, ropes began being made variety of esparto grass in later third century bc.

the use of lightwoods meant ship carried ashore few 140 men, hull soaked water, adversely affected speed , maneuverability. still faster other warships.

bronze trireme ram

once triremes seaworthy, argued highly decorated with, eyes, nameplates, painted figureheads, , various ornaments . these decorations used both show wealth of patrician , make ship frightening enemy. home port of each trireme signaled wooden statue of deity located above bronze ram on front of ship. in case of athens, since of fleet s triremes paid wealthy citizens, there natural sense of competition among patricians create impressive trireme, both intimidate enemy , attract best oarsmen. of military expenditure, triremes labor- , (in terms of men , money) investment-intensive.