The Ubiquitous Hūrī: Maritime Ethnography, Archaeology and History in the western Indian Ocean

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Barkhuis Publishing via the ISBN in this recordISBSA 13: Thirteenth International Symposium on Boat and Ship Archaeology, 8-12 October 2012 Amsterdam, The Netherland

The potential performance of ancient Mediterranean sailing rigs

A common statement in the academic literature relating to the ancient Mediterranean is that the lateen/settee rig superseded the Mediterranean square-sail because it provided superior upwind performance, greater manoeuvrability and higher overall speed. This statement has been repeated so often that it is now commonly accepted. Research by the author sets out to develop an insight into the relative performance of both types of rig, based on historical sources, ethnographic records and the performance of representative, full-size sailing vessels. This allows a reassessment to be made of the underlying reasons behind the adoption of the lateen/settee rig in the Mediterranean

Sailing and sailing rigs in the Ancient Mediterranean: Implications of continuity, variation and change in propulsion technology

Ships and boats form the foundations of the maritime connectivity that is a central part of our understanding of the ancient Mediterranean. While the general chronological sequence of sail and sailing-rig development is well established, the implications are less-well discussed. This article sets out how sails and sailing rigs developed in antiquity, with emphasis on the Greco-Roman world. Subsequently, instances of innovation are defined. Why specific pieces of maritime technology were, or were not, widely adopted is considered. Long-term technological continuity can be comprehended, and a shared maritime culture of sailing in the ancient Mediterranean is suggested