Docks

Shipbuilding, maintenance and having a safe harbour were obviously crucial to the trade and expansion of any Mediterranean people. From 500BC, the Greek trireme was the backbone of Hellenic navies. Up to forty metres long, and powered by a crew of 170 highly trained, professional rowers, the trireme was narrow and light, if a little unstable. Rowers were expected to throw javelins and sling stones while seated so as not to rock the boat! In Piraeus, the port of Athens, up to 750 triremes could be sheltered in nearly 500 neosokoi, or covered hangars, when not in use. The Carthaginians constructed an artificial harbour or 'cothon' to protect their ships from the sea. It is believed that other cothons could be drained to act as dry docks, allowing for ship maintenance.