Model, of Roman grain ship

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This wooden model is of a Roman grain ship from around 200 AD. It is based on information gathered by the Science Museum in London, from contemporary bas-reliefs found at various locations along the Mediterranean coast. The model was built to a scale of 1:48 by Mr R Paterson of Lasswade in Midlothian.

The ship's triangular topsails increased the effect of a single mast and the bowsprit sail, known as the 'Artemon', made it easier to sail. Ships such as these relied principally on sails rather than on oars for power and consequently had smaller crews and more space for goods. They were steered by two large oars near the stern.

At the height of its power as the centre of an empire, Rome was largely dependent on imported foodstuffs, particularly grain. This was brought from Egypt and North Africa in grain ships of about 250 tons capacity to ports at the mouth of the River Tiber. It was then shipped up river to Rome in smaller boats.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-002-053-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1947.89
• Date: Model: 20th century; Original: Around 200 AD
  
• Material: Ship, grain, Roman / reproduction
  
• Dimensions: 18.00" H x 22.00" L x 6.50" beam
  
• What: Ship, grain, Roman / reproduction
  
• Subject: 23. SHIPPING, Ships, pre 1400 (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: A.J.E. (Delineator of ship)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Reproduction of a Roman grain ship of around A.D. 200, modelled on a sketch by A.J.E. in a Science Museum handbook and made to a scale of 1:48
  
• References:
  • Storer, J D. Ship Models in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh: A catalogue of models representing the history of shipping from 1500 BC to the present day. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1985, p 3. 
• Translations:
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