Greek Ships
Known for its beautiful landscapes and beaches. Greece was the birthplace and home to some of the most respected intellectuals in history, like Plato and Socrates.
But there’s more to the beautiful nation of islands, than its landscapes, beaches and philosophy. It was also home to some wonderful sea going vessels. Many of them, belonging to pirates who fought sea battles and plundered other ships. Constructed using high quality materials, found nowhere else other than Greece, these warships were a class of their own.
Ships and Ancient Greece
Ancient Greek warships had large sails and many oars, which made them fast and agile. The ancient galley type vessels had three banks of oars and where called Triremes. To handle a trireme efficiently, needed at least 170 men, with one man handling each oar. The soldiers carried on-board used a long, narrow deck, to fight from.
Looking at the remains of ship wrecks, archaeologists have found that one trireme was 115ft long (35m). That’s the length of about 3 school buses combined!
Vessels used for trade
Other than warships, the Greeks built ships to trade with cities around Greece and other countries. They transported wine and olive oil in pottery jars called amphora. The shape of the amphora required specially designed stowage in these vessels. Their produce went far and wide throughout the Mediterranean. Their ships where built using the best materials sourced in Greece.
During wars, skilled seamen where used, who knew how to navigate the ships. Carried on-board, were trained soldiers to defeat their enemies. The ships had state-of-the-weapons of that time, that help take down other ships.
The city of Athens, had by far, the best ships found in Ancient Greece, as well the best navy in the country. This helped Greece defeat the Persians with ease.
Warships
Greek warships also helped them win against other civilizations, not just the Persians. One of these civilizations was the Egyptians.
The Egyptians also had good ships during ancient times and a strong fleet ready for war if needed. With powerful empires like the Persian Empire, one would not expect victory. But there was three famous battles against the Egyptians that took place. Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis and each time, the Greeks drove the Persians away.
Fishing
Besides this, the Greeks were and are still skilled fishermen. Greece is home to some of the best species of fish, with seafood being popular all around the country. Therefore many fishing boats were built of various shapes and sizes. The traditional fishing boats are called a Kaiki.
Greece no longer uses warships but its tourism industry is thriving, for luxury yachts. If you’re planning a tour around the Greek Islands, the best way to explore the islands is by chartering a luxury yacht!
At Deep Blue Yachting, we offer exclusive yacht packages to travelers visiting Greece. Our luxury yacht Glaros is a Greek built, wooden, fishing boat type hull (Kaiki). If you’re a history enthusiast and want to learn more about Greece, charter a yacht today! To learn more, contact us!
Captain Cliff
Greece has traditionally been a maritime nation since ancient times. Greece still controls 23% of the worlds merchant fleet and is rank top in the Lloyd’s list for tankers and bulk carriers. Shipping in Greece is worth an important 4% of the GDP. If you have questions or if there is anything else that I can help you with. I would like to hear from you.
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